Party Preferences as a Polarizing Factor During the COVID-19 crisis? The Evidence From Panel Survey

This article examines the impact of party preferences on societal polarization in Czechia during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in response to anti-pandemic measures. Using panel survey data collected throughout the pandemic, we assess how varying levels of stringency in safety measures influenced polarization within the population. The results show that polarization was most pronounced among a small group of voters supporting a radical right populist party, whose politicization and opposition to the measures intensified over time. Notably, when populist parties were part of the governing coalition, their voters demonstrated increased compliance with anti-pandemic measures. These findings underscore the complex interaction between party loyalty, ideological positions, and political context in shaping societal responses during crises, offering new insights into the dynamics of polarization under stress.