King's College London

The study, published in European Politics and Society, examines far-right election campaigns in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, where such parties recorded significant electoral gains.

While immigration remained a central theme across all four countries, study authors Professor Sofia Vasilopoulou (King’s College London) and Dr Marianna Griffini (Northeastern University London) found growing emphasis on other policy areas, reflecting an effort to widen voter appeal.

In Italy, the far right performed particularly strongly. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy emerged as the largest party, while the League lagged behind but continued to campaign on migration, economic grievances and opposition to EU environmental rules. Both parties criticised the EU’s Green Deal, arguing it threatened national industry and agriculture.

In Spain and Portugal, Vox and Chega achieved close to 10 per cent of the vote each. Their campaigns combined tough rhetoric on immigration with opposition to EU climate policies and appeals to voters concerned about rising living costs, housing shortages and job insecurity. Vox, in particular, strongly criticised environmental and gender equality measures promoted at EU level.

Greece presented a more fragmented picture, with three far-right parties winning seats. While some prioritised immigration and cultural issues, others focused more heavily on economic pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis and energy prices.

Across the region, the academics highlight a shared scepticism towards EU environmental policies, often framed as threats to economic sovereignty. Gender issues also featured, with some parties promoting traditional family structures while others largely avoided the topic.

The researchers believe the European elections reveal that the far right in southern Europe is no longer defined by a single issue. Instead, the campaigns reveal a more diversified policy agenda, adapted to national contexts, which may help explain its continued electoral resilience and growing influence within European politics.