Anti-Populist Attitudes: Insights from Portugal

Over the past decade, the rise of populist parties and candidates across Europe and beyond has intensified discussions about the demand side of populism, particularly the role of populist attitudes in shaping voter support. At the same time, a parallel debate has emerged around anti-populism, defined as the rejection of populist political projects. However, this debate has largely remained either theoretical or concentrated on the supply side. This article addresses the gap by investigating anti-populism at the voter level, exploring its prevalence, variations (e.g., rejection of populist parties, leaders, and ideas), and the factors influencing these attitudes. These factors include enduring aspects such as ideological orientation and views on democracy and pluralism, alongside contextual elements shaped by the political environment. The study focuses on Portugal, where the populist radical-right party Chega has experienced significant growth, now holding 50 of 230 parliamentary seats, amidst widespread disapproval (61 percent of respondents in a 2024 survey identified Chega as the party they dislike most). Drawing on survey data (N=1203) collected in April and May 2024, the study provides nuanced measurements of populist rejection and analyzes the determinants of these stances. By examining how and why voters oppose populist political projects, the article offers fresh insights into the constraints on populist expansion in established democracies and contributes to broader debates on populism and political polarization.