The radical right in public office: Agenda-setting and policy effects

International comparisons of new radical right-wing parties usually focus on differences in electoral fortunes, party organisations and leadership. This article uses a different angle by focusing on public policy impact and the role these parties play in the parliamentary and executive arenas. The research is driven by the hypothesis that gander the conditions of stable democracy, holding office produces a net result in a 'tanning effect' on radical right-wing actors rather than a sharp 'right turn'. Evidence from four countries (Germany, France, Italy and Austria) shows that parliamentary presence alone does not result in policy effects. When the radical right holds executive office, a 'right turn' occurs primarily in cultural policies. Overall, real effects of radical right-wing politics occur largely, as a result of the interaction between the radical right and established actors regardless of the radical right's assuming power.