The X-ray of the Far-Right – General Overview

Petros Ioannidis
Political analyst for aboutpeople

Eteron – Institute for Research and Social Change commissioned aboutpeople to conduct a large-scale survey focusing on voters of parties positioned to the right of New Democracy, addressing three key questions:

1. What are the main ideological positions of the voters of Elliniki Lysi, Spartiates, and Niki?
2. Do the voters of these three parties form a kind of ideological and political community?
3. What is the relationship between the voters of these parties and those of New Democracy?

The nationwide survey, titled “The X-Ray of the Far-Right,” was conducted with a sample of 3,058 men and women from October 17 to October 20, 2023.

1) Emotions

When asked, “How happy do you feel these days?” the responses were as follows:

• Overall, 45.9% of respondents reported feeling very or quite happy.
• Among New Democracy (ND) voters: 50.1%.
• Spartiates voters: 39%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 48.5%.
• Niki voters: 59.1%.

No significant differences are observed among voters of the four parties—or even among voters of other parties. However, it is noteworthy that Niki voters report the highest level of positive emotions.

On the question, “How much do you trust other people?” the responses were:

• Overall, 44.2% responded “a lot” or “quite a bit.”
• ND voters: 47.5%.
• Spartiates voters: 23.4%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 29.8%.
• Niki voters: 40.3%.

This question reveals a significant difference between Spartiates and Greek Solution voters, compared primarily to ND voters and, secondarily, to Niki voters. Interestingly, the trust levels among ND voters are almost identical to those of SYRIZA, PASOK, and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

2) Democracy

When asked, “How dissatisfied or satisfied are you with the way democracy functions in Greece?” the responses were:

• Overall, 70.8% expressed being quite or very dissatisfied.
• ND voters: 38.7%.
• Spartiates voters: 95.1%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 96.9%.
• Niki voters: 92.2%.

Among voters of the three right-wing parties, overwhelming dissatisfaction with democracy’s functioning is recorded. By contrast, ND voters show the highest satisfaction rate (60.8%) compared to voters of any other party.

On the question, “Is dictatorship sometimes preferable to democracy?” the responses were:

• Overall, 15.7% agreed.
• ND voters: 15%.
• Spartiates voters: 65.9%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 45.6%.
• Niki voters: 47.4%.

While widespread dissatisfaction with democracy does not generally translate into questioning democracy itself, voters of the three right-wing parties exhibit the highest levels of sympathy for dictatorial solutions. However, positive responses among Spartiates voters are 20 percentage points higher than those of Greek Solution and Victory voters. ND voters show significantly lower support for dictatorial solutions compared to these parties, but their positive responses are still higher than those of SYRIZA (5.7%), KKE (4.9%), and PASOK (9.1%).

3) Sympathy Scale

On a sympathy scale (1 = complete dislike, 9 = complete sympathy), the average scores across the entire sample were:

• ND: 4.16
• Spartiates: 1.83
• Elliniki Lysi: 2.17
• Niki: 2.05

The three right-wing parties scored the lowest average sympathy levels, with high percentages at the extreme low end (rating of 1): Spartiates (74.9%), Greek Solution (63%), and Victory (65.4%). Among Spartiates voters, positive ratings (6-9) reached only 6.2%, for Greek Solution 9.3%, and for Victory 7.1%. These parties remain relatively isolated within the electorate beyond their own voter base, although a broader audience sympathetic to them exists beyond those who vote for them.

Sympathy Scale by Party Voter Base

• ND voters towards:
  • Spartiates: 1.63
  • Elliniki Lysi: 1.92
  • Niki: 2.05
• Spartiates voters towards:
  • ND: 2.09
  • Elliniki Lysi: 4.64
  • Niki: 3.85
• Elliniki Lysi voters towards:
  • ND: 3.26
  • Spartiates: 3.3
  • Niki: 3.47
• Niki voters towards:
  • ND: 2.79
  • Spartiates: 2.56
  • Elliniki Lysi: 3.84

No significant relationship emerges from the sympathy scale between ND voters and those of the three far-right parties. Sympathy levels are very low, with ND voters even expressing greater sympathy for the KKE (2.38%). Similarly, mutual “coolness” is observed among voters of the three right-wing parties. Despite slight variations, the scale does not suggest the existence of a cohesive political community among the three far-right parties’ voter bases.

4) Proximity to the Party

When asked, “How close do you feel to the party you voted for in the June elections?” the responses were:

• Overall: 54.9% feel very or quite close.
• ND voters: 65.8%.
• Spartiates voters: 47.9%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 54.6%.
• Niki voters: 26.9%.

When asked, “Do you obtain information about party activities from members and friends of the party?” the responses were:

• Overall: 16.5% responded positively.
• ND voters: 14.58%.
• Spartiates voters: 17.5%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 4%.
• Niki voters: 18.7%.

When asked, “Are you a member of the party and obtain direct information about its activities?” the responses were:

• Overall: 10% responded positively.
• ND voters: 11.2%.
• Spartiates voters: 1.7%.
• Elliniki Lysi voters: 0.9%.
• Niki voters: 0%.

Regarding proximity to the party they voted for, Elliniki Lysi voters align with the average, Spartiates voters fall below, and Niki voters score significantly lower. ND voters report the highest levels of closeness, even compared to the KKE.

5) Mobilizations

Regarding the question of whether you have participated in a strike in recent years, the responses are as follows:

• Positive responses across the entire sample: 25.2%
• Among New Democracy (ND) voters: 10.8%
• Spartiates: 21.5%
• Elliniki Lysi: 31.8%
• Niki: 23%

Regarding participation in mobilizations related to the Tempi train disaster:

• Positive responses across the sample: 23.5%
• ND voters: 10.8%
• Spartiates: 21.9%
• Elliniki Lysi: 31.8%
• Niki: 23%

Regarding participation in protests against mandatory vaccination:

• Positive responses across the sample: 11%
• ND voters: 3%
• Spartiates: 36.4%
• Elliniki Lysi: 45.3%
• Niki: 30.1%

Regarding mobilizations against the new ID cards:

• Positive responses across the sample: 7.3%
• ND voters: 4.8%
• Spartiates: 16.4%
• Elliniki Lysi: 17.8%
• Niki: 25.2%

Regarding protests against the Prespa Agreement:

• Positive responses across the sample: 18.8%
• ND voters: 21.6%
• Spartiates: 53.1%
• Elliniki Lysi: 47.7%
• Niki: 57.2%

Survey responses indicate that half of the voters of the three parties protested against the Prespa Agreement, and one-third protested against mandatory vaccination. In contrast, the new ID cards did not inspire significant mobilization. Overall, activism does not appear to be a defining characteristic of these voters, but the difference compared to ND voters is striking regarding mobilization levels.

6) Wars

In the question about which side you feel closer to in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

• Across the sample:
  • Neither side: 43.3%
  • Palestinians: 28.5%
  • Israelis: 42.7%
• Among ND voters:
  • Neither side: 42.5%
  • Palestinians: 9%
  • Israelis: 22.1%
• Spartiates voters:
  • Neither side: 53.6%
  • Palestinians: 20.8%
  • Israelis: 22%
• Elliniki Lysi voters:
  • Neither side: 50.2%
  • Palestinians: 22.1%
  • Israelis: 26.6%
• Niki voters:
  • Neither side: 62.8%
  • Palestinians: 12.7%
  • Israelis: 13%

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war:

• Across the sample:
  • Neither side: 42.3%
  • Russia: 17.9%
  • Ukraine: 15.3%
• Among ND voters:
  • Neither side: 28.1%
  • Russia: 5.9%
  • Ukraine: 63.5%
• Spartiates voters:
  • Neither side: 28.8%
  • Russia: 60.8%
  • Ukraine: 8.1%
• Elliniki Lysi voters:
  • Neither side: 38.4%
  • Russia: 51.9%
  • Ukraine: 6.7%
• Niki voters:
  • Neither side: 52.4%
  • Russia: 30.8%
  • Ukraine: 7.3%

In the Gaza war, the dominant response among voters of the three parties is “neither side.” However, in the Ukraine war, Spartan and Elliniki Lysi voters lean significantly pro-Russia, while Niki voters favor neutrality. The differences between ND voters and voters of the far-right parties are significant. ND voters adopt a pro-Western stance, reflecting government foreign policy, while skepticism toward the West prevails among far-right voters.

7) The EU and Globalization

When asked whether Greece’s participation in the EU is positive, responses are as follows:

• Overall sample: 65% positive or somewhat positive
• ND voters: 88%
• Spartiates: 34.2%
• Elliniki Lysi: 31.6%
• Niki: 50%

On the question of whether Greece should return to the drachma:

• Overall sample: 18.3% positive responses
• ND voters: 6.4%
• Spartiates: 51%
• Elliniki Lysi: 59%
• Niki: 31.6%

On whether globalization is a threat to Greece:

• Overall sample: 44.8% positive responses
• ND voters: 29.2%
• Spartiates: 89.5%
• Elliniki Lysi: 85.4%
• Niki: 76.5%

Voters of the three parties exhibit Euroscepticism, evaluating Greece’s participation in the EU negatively (to a lesser extent among Victory voters) and favoring a return to the drachma. Interestingly, the call for a return to the drachma is much more prevalent on the far-right of the political spectrum than on the left. The three parties’ voters also overwhelmingly reject globalization. The contrast with ND voters is stark, particularly regarding the EU and globalization. Moreover, considering responses on wars, ND voters present a strong pro-Western profile, while far-right voters show significant skepticism toward the West.

8) Nation, Foreign, and Defense Policy

On whether the Prespa Agreement was bad for Greece’s interests:

• Overall sample: 50.4% negative evaluations
• ND voters: 63.5%
• Spartiates: 88.6%
• Elliniki Lysi: 89.6%
• Niki: 78.3%

On whether defense spending should increase:

• Overall sample: 32.5% positive responses
• ND voters: 53.3%
• Spartiates: 54.3%
• Elliniki Lysi: 37.5%
• Νiki: 44%

On whether Greeks are a unique people distinguished by intelligence and culture:

• Overall sample: 62.5% agreement
• ND voters: 72.4%
• Spartiates: 86.4%
• Elliniki Lysi: 85.7%
• Niki: 78.3%

There is widespread opposition to the Prespa Agreement among ND and far-right party voters. A similar pattern emerges on increasing defense spending, though Elliniki Lysi voters show notable differentiation. Agreement on the significance of Greek culture is strong across all groups, indicating that a certain perception of national identity unites ND voters and those of the far-right parties.

9) Orthodox Party and Religion

On whether Greece needs a party to represent Orthodox values:

• Overall sample: 29.4% positive responses
• ND voters: 31.8%
• Spartiates: 70%
• Elliniki Lysi: 72.4%
• Niki: 81.4%

On whether religion plays an important role in life:

• Overall sample: 23.8% positive responses
• ND voters: 26.7%
• Spartiates: 36%
• Elliniki Lysi: 45.4%
• Niki: 79.1%

Apart from national identity, there is a strong desire among far-right party voters for a party to represent Orthodox values. However, religion itself does not play a significant role in respondents’ lives, except among Niki voters.

10) April 21 (Greek Military Junta)

On whether April 21 had positive aspects:

• Overall sample: 19.7% positive responses
• ND voters: 23.9%
• Spartiates: 68.5%
• Elliniki Lysi: 56.9%
• Niki: 55.5%

Positive opinions about the junta are highest among voters of the three far-right parties. However, about one-quarter of these voters hold negative views about the dictatorship. Nonetheless, a predominantly positive assessment of the junta era is common among voters of Spartiates, Elliniki Lysi, and Niki. It is worth noting the 23.9% of positive responses among ND voters.

11) Golden Dawn

On whether Golden Dawn could have been a useful party if it had not engaged in criminal activities:

• Overall sample: 19.5% positive responses; 2.8% consider it a patriotic party with significant contributions.
• ND voters: 20.5% positive responses; 1.4% patriotic party
• Spartiates: 66.6% positive responses; 24% patriotic party
• Elliniki Lysi: 56.9% positive responses; 12.3% patriotic party
• Niki: 41.3% positive responses; 6.9% patriotic party

Following its designation as a criminal organization, Golden Dawn has been discredited, even among Spartiates voters. However, its political rhetoric retains notable appeal. The 19.5% support for a “legal Golden Dawn” could be considered a potential ceiling for the far-right in Greece.

12) Polytechnic Uprising Casualties

On whether there were no casualties during the Polytechnic Uprising:

• Overall sample: 10.7% agree; 13.3% “Don’t know/No answer”
• ND voters: 15.2% agree; 15.5% “Don’t know/No answer”
• Spartiates: 37.7% agree; 25.9% “Don’t know/No answer”
• Elliniki Lysi: 21.7% agree; 27.7% “Don’t know/No answer”
• Niki: 19.8% agree; 16.4% “Don’t know/No answer”

A notable portion of voters from far-right parties disputes the existence of casualties during the Polytechnic Uprising, with Spartiates voters exhibiting the highest percentage of agreement with this statement.

13) Economic Policy

On preference between a market-based or centrally planned economic system:

• Overall sample: 35.6% prefer central planning; 50.1% prefer the market
• ND voters: 17.9% central planning; 74% market
• Spartiates: 33.9% central planning; 54.4% market
• Elliniki Lysi: 29.1% central planning; 63.4% market
• Niki: 26.9% central planning; 40.1% market

On whether the state intervenes insufficiently in the economy, leaving private actors unchecked:

• Overall sample: 55.9% agree
• ND voters: 45.4% agree
• Spartiates: 47.9% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 42.8% agree
• Niki: 48.1% agree

While voters of far-right parties favor a market economy, they also support state intervention to prevent unchecked private sector activity. ND voters similarly balance market support with state intervention, albeit leaning more strongly toward market-driven solutions. These findings highlight a broadly cross-party trend in Greek society valuing a mix of market economy and state regulation.

14) LGBTQ+ Rights

On whether same-sex marriage should be allowed:

• Overall sample: 56.2% agree
• ND voters: 46.2% agree
• Spartiates: 18.3% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 21.9% agree
• Niki: 26% agree

On whether same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children:

• Overall sample: 37.2% agree
• ND voters: 24.6% agree
• Spartiates: 7.3% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 4.1% agree
• Niki: 14.6% agree

Same-sex marriage now enjoys majority support, a shift from previous surveys. However, voters of far-right parties overwhelmingly oppose it, with even stronger resistance to adoption by same-sex couples. Opposition to LGBTQ+ rights appears to be a key ideological issue for far-right voters. ND voters show growing, albeit limited, support for LGBTQ+ rights compared to left-wing parties.

15) Women’s Rights

On whether abortion should be banned:

• Overall sample: 21.1% agree
• ND voters: 20.8% agree
• Spartiates: 47.3% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 57.8% agree
• Niki: 60.6% agree

On whether a woman’s primary role should be that of a mother:

• Overall sample: 38.6% agree
• ND voters: 47% agree
• Spartiates: 64.7% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 67.7% agree
• Niki: 53.7% agree

Far-right party voters differ starkly from others in favoring abortion bans, with Elliniki Lysi and Victory voters leading in support. On traditional gender roles, they emphasize motherhood as a woman’s primary role, further highlighting the ideological gap between these voters and those of ND, as well as centrist and left-wing parties.

16) Death Penalty

On whether the death penalty should be reinstated:

• Overall sample: 47.9% agree
• ND voters: 55.9% agree
• Spartiates: 85.6% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 68.5% agree
• Niki: 52.2% agree

While opinions are split overall, far-right party voters strongly favor the reinstatement of the death penalty, with Spartiates showing the highest support. Victory voters, influenced by Christian values, show comparatively lower but still significant support.

17) Demonstrations

On limiting the right to protest when public order is threatened:

• Overall sample: 47.9% agree
• ND voters: 80.9% agree
• Spartiates: 48.8% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 55.5% agree
• Niki: 41.6% agree

On whether police are excessively violent during protests:

• Overall sample: 62.6% agree
• ND voters: 32.8% agree
• Spartiates: 74.2% agree
• Elliniki Lysi: 62.5% agree
• Niki: 67.4% agree

Far-right voters appear conflicted on protest issues. They are divided on restricting demonstrations but broadly agree that police use excessive force. This contrasts with ND voters, who lean heavily toward a traditional “law and order” stance.

18) Immigration

• Can immigration solve demographic issues?
  • Overall: 27.7% agree
  • ND: 18.8%
  • Spartiates: 3.1%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 0.8%
  • Niki: 7.4%
• Do immigrants threaten Greek culture?
  • Overall: 57.2% agree
  • ND: 77.8%
  • Spartiates: 97.4%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 96.1%
  • Niki: 90.8%
• Should children of immigrants be granted citizenship?
  • Overall: 66.1% agree
  • ND: 62.7%
  • Spartiates: 25.2%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 43.7%
  • Niki: 44.1%
• Do immigrants contribute to the economy?
  • Overall: 46.8% agree
  • ND: 42.9%
  • Spartiates: 9.2%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 17.1%
  • Niki: 16.5%
• Do immigrants increase crime rates?
  • Overall: 65.7% agree
  • ND: 83.2%
  • Spartiates: 96.5%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 91.7%
  • Niki: 89%
• Should migrants be pushed back even if lives are at risk?
  • Overall: 29.8% agree
  • ND: 43.4%
  • Spartiates: 72%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 64.7%
  • Niki: 36.7%
• Do NGOs harm Greece’s image?
  • Overall: 48.8% agree
  • ND: 68.5%
  • Spartiates: 84.2%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 90.6%
  • Niki: 65.8%

A deeply negative attitude toward immigration is evident, especially among far-right voters, who overwhelmingly see migrants as cultural and economic threats. ND voters share these views to a significant extent, particularly on crime and cultural impact, highlighting an ideological convergence on this issue.

19) Climate Change, ID Cards, Vaccines

• Climate change is not a threat:
  • Overall: 19.6% agree
  • ND: 10.1%
  • Spartiates: 60.4%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 55.7%
  • Niki: 53.8%
• New ID cards threaten freedom:
  • Overall: 13.4% agree
  • ND: 5.8%
  • Spartiates: 44.1%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 42.8%
  • Niki: 42.8%
• COVID-19 vaccines alter human DNA:
  • Overall: 17.8% agree
  • ND: 8.3%
  • Spartiates: 51.9%
  • Elliniki Lysi: 63%
  • Niki: 38.4%

Far-right voters are highly susceptible to pseudoscientific and conspiracy theories, particularly on climate change and vaccines. ND voters are less influenced by such views, indicating a substantial gap between mainstream and far-right voters on these topics.

General Observations

a) Shared Ideological Traits:
The three far-right parties share a common ideological core, albeit with variations, especially among Victory voters, who are more influenced by Christian values. Despite ideological similarities, each party caters to a distinct audience.

b) Relationship with ND:
While there are points of convergence between ND voters and far-right voters, especially on immigration, significant divergences on key issues like the EU, globalization, democracy, and protests indicate that the far-right cannot yet be considered part of a cohesive “blue coalition.”