EUROSKEPTISKA PARTIERS OMVÄNDA REAKTIONSFÖRMÅGA En studie av euroskeptiska partiers position till EU vid positiv förskjutning av den allmänna opinionen

Abstract

This paper investigates the party positioning of Eurosceptical parties in relation to public opinion when it is trending positively. Previous crisis in Europe have led to Eurosceptical parties to adopt a negative stance towards the European Union, seemingly aligning with public opinion, However, it is unclear whether the changing of positioning for these parties occurs in both positive and a negative way, as adopting a less critical stance contradicts the political agendas of Eurosceptical parties. To explore this phenomenon, this study draws on the theoretical tradition of Spatial Theory by Downs (1957). According to this theory, political parties are responsive to the public opinion to gain popularity among voters and win election. Using a quantitative method and a regression analysis of panel data from Manifesto Project, the study demonstrates a shift in the position of Eurosceptical parties towards a less critical stance on the EU during the same period when public opinion has shifted positively (Eurobarometer, 2023). The findings further emphasize the crucial role of public opinion, and this study fills a gap in earlier research by providing insights into the specific position Eurosceptical parties adopt concerning their attitude towards the EU in this recent period. By shedding light on party dynamics and their relationship with public opinion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of Euroscepticism and its implications for European politics.