The Rise of Right-Wing Populist Parties in Europe and Their Influence on EU Policy: A Case Study of France’s National Rally

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the factors for the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe and their influence on European Union policy. For this reason, the impact of information exchange channels, digital media influence and targeted communications strategies on public sentiments towards policies was evaluated. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of public sentiments towards policies on perceived influence on policy. The mediating role of public sentiments towards policies was also investigated. The study used a sample of 333 members of Eurobarometer and statistical analysis was analyzed using JASP 0.19.0. The study found that the impact of information exchange channels, digital media influence and targeted communications strategies on public sentiments towards policies is significant. Furthermore, the impact of public sentiments towards policies on the perceived influence on policy was also found significant. The study also concluded that public sentiments towards policies significantly mediate the impact of information exchange channels, digital media influence and targeted communications strategies on public sentiments towards policies. The findings of this study have novel contribution to literature and policymakers.