Does Health Vulnerability Predict Voting for Right-Wing Populist Parties in Europe?

Why do voters in developed democracies support right-wing populist parties? Existing research focuses on economic and cultural vulnerability as driving this phenomenon. We hypothesize that perceptions of personal health might have a similar influence voters. To test argument, we analyzed all waves the European Social Survey (2002–2020). Our findings suggest with worse self-reported were significantly more likely to vote for parties. The relationship persists even after accounting measures vulnerability, well voters’ satisfaction both their lives country’s system. parties appears be greater than income insecurity, while less gender attitudes about immigrants. policies affecting public could shape not only outcomes but also political landscape.