Towards a New Order? The Economic Programmes of Right-Wing Populist Parties
14 October 2025
This report analyses the economic agendas of right-wing populist parties (RWPPs) in Europe, plus cases from the UK, US, and Argentina. Across eleven dimensions, it compares their positions on economic policies. RWPPs harness discontent with liberal globalisation and socio-economic change but lack a unified doctrine. They mix ideas with nationalism and opportunism. Most back private ownership and SMEs; calls for nationalisation is rare and limited to critical infrastructure. Regulation ranges from deregulation to state protection of “strategic” sectors.
Some RWPPs pair expansive welfare talk with “welfare chauvinism,” reserving benefits for natives and curbing labour migration. They advocate for tax cuts for low- and middle-income individuals, resist tax harmonisation and wealth taxes, and often accept higher debt. In finance, they reject deeper European capital-market integration and assert monetary and fiscal sovereignty. On trade and the EU, they oppose multilateralism and denounce Brussels’ overreach.
Migration is the clearest common denominator, framed instead by culture and security than by shared economic beliefs. Many oppose the euro and digital currencies. Climate scepticism is widespread, notably the European Green Deal.
Overall, RWPPs remain market-based but seek nationalist re-shaping—especially in trade and integration. The message for centrist parties is clear: renew the social market economy, address middle-class insecurity, and make the Single Market fairer.
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