POLITICO Poll Links Patriotism to Right-Wing Parties by 15 to 35 Points Across 5 Western Democracies
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 5
POLITICO Poll Links Patriotism to Right-Wing Parties by 15 to 35 Points Across 5 Western Democracies
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 5
Summary
Public First’s June poll found voters across the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Spain increasingly read patriotic language and symbols as right-coded, even though pride in country remains widespread.
By country, respondents were 15 points more likely to link being “proud to be American” with Republicans than Democrats, while pluralities tied national pride to Reform U.K. at 29%, National Rally at 30%, AfD at 35% and Vox at 29%.
The survey points to years of right-wing campaigning on immigration, borders, sovereignty and cost of living, with Trump-style “Make [country] Great Again” messaging drawing especially strong support among Europe’s far right.
Majorities in every country surveyed still said they were proud of their nation, underscoring that the challenge for centrist and left-leaning parties is not patriotism itself but reclaiming its symbols and language.
Can progressive movements successfully reclaim national symbols from the far-right?
As nationalism surges in Europe, what lessons can be learned from past eras?
Why is personal pride in one's country universal, but its public display so divisive?
From Unity to Division: The Strengthening Link Between Patriotism and Right-Wing Politics in 2026
Overview
As of mid-2026, the link between patriotism and right-wing political movements in Europe has grown stronger, with a clear focus on national identity and a 'country first' approach. This message resonates with many voters, as shown by a large POLITICO poll across five European countries. While Donald Trump remains unpopular overall in Europe, his support among right-wing populist party backers varies widely—he is notably favored by half of Reform-aligned respondents in Britain, but much less so in other countries. These patterns highlight how the connection between patriotism and right-wing politics is both strengthening and nuanced across Europe.