A recent study conducted by the European Trade Union Institute has found that far-right parties in Europe, often believed to be representing the working class and promoting left-wing socioeconomic policies, actually do not support workers’ rights. The analysis of voting patterns of far-right groups in the European Parliament revealed that they consistently voted against measures such as ensuring transparency over pay, providing quality traineeships, and setting a minimum wage. Despite claims that far-right parties have moved to the left on economic issues, the study shows that they still back right-wing anti-worker policies.
The research specifically focused on two far-right groups in the European Parliament, including disbanded Identity and Democracy group and the European Conservatives and Reformists, as well as Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. Results indicated that far-right parties were indifferent or hostile towards workers’ rights, with divisions in voting behavior among various parties within the groups.
Southern European far-right parties showed more positive votes on workers’ rights, while parties from countries with stronger workers’ rights opposed such measures. Overall, the study concludes that the far-right’s emphasis on workers’ rights is misleading, as their voting patterns demonstrate a focus on anti-worker policies, similar to their stance on asylum and migration issues.
The findings highlight the importance of not only considering the rhetoric of far-right parties but also examining their actions. The study concludes that the far right is not pro-worker, emphasizing that they are right-wing not only on immigration but also on socioeconomic issues. The research was conducted by Cas Mudde, a professor at the University of Georgia, and Gabriela Greilinger, a PhD student at the same institution.
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