The Electoral Success of the Radical Left: Explaining the Least Likely Case of the Communist Party in Graz

摘要: Recently, scholars have shown a growing interest in radical left parties (RLPs). In terms of electoral success, the rise KPO Graz, Communist Party Austria’s second biggest city, represents perhaps most counterintuitive case Western Europe. Adding to previous studies, Graz contradicts many claims made and patterns found about conditions for success RLPs. While national was voted out parliament 1959, branch has been member local government since 1998. Since then, party managed gain 20 per cent vote three four elections. 2017, defended its place as largest legislature stayed ahead right FPO, on at level. stark contrast Communists’ current strength, however, they did not even 2 1983. This analysis shows how ‘own’ issue housing exploit political opportunities order be electorally successful. The findings point importance agency subnational level RLPs, highlight more general questions study this family.