It is interesting to observe European or Western politics and the divide between the Left, Centre, and Right. In European or Western politics, the “right wing” is a political ideology that values conservatism, individualism, and nationalism. It emphasizes traditional values, free markets, and national sovereignty, supporting hierarchy, strong defense, and gradual evolution rather than radical change. Unlike the left’s preference for open borders, the right is often anti-immigration, focusing on national identity and security.
A striking trend in Europe is the prominence of female leaders from right-wing parties compared to the left. Despite advocating gender equality, left-wing parties have struggled to produce female leaders, while the right has consistently elevated women to powerful positions.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, represents a right-wing Maltese party and is known for her conservative views. Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, previously served as France’s finance minister in a right-wing government. Ursula von der Leyen, the first female President of the European Commission, was Germany’s defense minister under Angela Merkel, another influential conservative leader.
This trend is not new. Past and present conservative female leaders, including Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, and multiple Polish prime ministers, have shaped right-wing governance. Figures such as Marine Le Pen in France, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Alice Weidel in Germany further reinforce the right’s dominance among female political leaders.
One theory suggests that conservative female leaders often embody leadership traits that resonate with right-wing values. Some, like Thatcher and Von der Leyen, have embraced conventional family roles, making them more acceptable to conservative voters. However, this does not explain figures like Weidel, an openly lesbian leader, or Meloni, a single mother.
Another perspective argues that female right-wing leaders often exhibit characteristics traditionally associated with strong leadership – assertiveness, economic expertise, and national security credentials. Merkel (physicist), Thatcher (chemist), and Von der Leyen (former defense minister) have backgrounds reinforcing their governance credibility.
Regardless of the reasons, right-wing female leaders have mobilized significant electoral support. Meloni’s party saw a sharp rise in female supporters between 2013 and 2022, propelling her to become Italy’s first female prime minister. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen’s rise in France has attracted an electorate that includes as many women as men. Most recently, Alice Weidel’s AfD is projected to come second in the German elections, fueling hopes of one day entering government – a scenario dreaded by its opponents.
This trend suggests that leadership emergence is shaped not only by ideology but also by strategic positioning, voter perceptions, and the ability of right-wing movements to offer strong female role models.