The rise of right wing populism in Europe: Similarities and differences between populist parties Western Eastern Europe

Right-wing populist parties have recently seen a dramatic surge in popularity across almost all European countries. The results of the last European Parliament elections in 2014, as well as national election results, confirm the clear trend towards a resurgence of right-wing populism. Whilst voter turnout is falling across Europe, thereby reducing the influence of the large, established parties, right-wing populist parties are benefiting most from this. Nevertheless, due to the historically different developments in Western and Eastern Europe, this is not a uniform form of right-wing populism. Taking into account current election results and developments within right-wing populist parties in selected countries of the European Union, this thesis aims to identify the similarities and differences between right-wing populist parties in Western and Eastern Europe. Both the systemic change during the political transformation process and the consolidation of democracy in the countries concerned will be taken into account.