Populist parties in Central and Eastern Europe: Regional trends in comparative perspective

This paper explores the populist phenomenon in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) by highlighting the key similarities and differences compared to Western Europe. Both regions are marked by the widespread presence of right-wing populist parties, which exist in nearly every European country. However, the two areas differ in two important respects. First, left-wing populism is virtually non-existent in CEE countries. Second, unlike Western Europe, CEE is a fertile ground for the success of valence populism, a distinct populist variety that has emerged in various countries of the region. This paper also sheds light on the controversial relationship between populism and Euroscepticism, as well as the underlying tension between populism and liberal democracy. By examining these topics, it provides insights to understand the populist phenomenon in CEE, and its broader implications for the European political landscape.