Spatial spillover effects on the support for populist radical right parties in Slovakia

Populist radical right parties known for populist, anti-immigrant, and Eurosceptic stances have gained varying electoral support in the European Union. Slovakia is no exception and this study investigates the determinants of support for populist radical right parties in Slovakia, focusing on spatial spillover effects and regional disparities. Using spatial econometric models and panel data from 79 Slovak districts across three election cycles (2016, 2020, 2023), the analysis identifies both contextual and compositional factors influencing PRRP support. By integrating advanced spatial econometric approaches, we revealed that variations in PRRP support arise not only from the characteristics of a specific region (direct effect) but also from the influence of neighboring regions' characteristics (indirect effect), emphasizing the role of spatial interdependencies in shaping political preferences. The study highlights the need for regionally coordinated policies to address economic inequalities and foster social cohesion. Findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on populism and regional development in CEE, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions in lagging regions to mitigate the spread of populist narratives and strengthen democratic resilience.