Populist radical right (PRR) parties are frequently described as vehicles for protest voting, attracting disillusioned citizens frustrated with mainstream politics. However, this characterization oversimplifies the complexities of PRR support, as undirected protest voting without alignment on ideological and policy positions, or endorsement of a people-centered approach to decision-making, appears improbable. This study challenges the conventional wisdom by arguing that so-called “pure protest voters” constitute a marginal subset of the PRR electorate, contrary to prevailing media narratives. Focusing on the ideological core of nativism, authoritarianism, and populism, as well as key protest voting indicators such as democratic dissatisfaction, political distrust, and external efficacy, this article provides a nuanced descriptive analysis of the PRR voter base. Drawing on data from Wave 10 of the European Social Survey, we employ latent profile analysis to identify distinct ideological configurations within this electorate. Our findings reveal that most PRR voters are characterized by substantive ideological commitments rather than mere protest against the political establishment. By mapping these voter profiles, this study offers a critical reappraisal of the role of protest voting in PRR support and highlights the interplay between ideological, policy-driven, and procedural preferences. In doing so, it deepens our understanding of the factors sustaining populist radical right parties and provides a more precise framework for interpreting their electoral success across Europe.
