The Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), often regarded as an exception to the decline of social-democratic (S-D) parties across Western Europe, has recently shown signs of vulnerability. This article explores, from a demand-side perspective, how the profile of its defectors (2002–2024) differs from dominant narratives about the challenges faced by S-D parties. Using original data, we show that the PS’s resilience relies on a stable base of loyal voters, but we also identify two patterns of defection: towards the radical left and, more recently, the radical right, driven, respectively, by cultural and economic concerns. These findings highlight the importance of both cultural and economic dimensions in the strategies of S-D parties, particularly for younger voters, as a path for renewal.

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers and the Editors of the journal fortheir valuable feedback.

Social democracy crisis,Portuguese Socialist Party,Loyal voters,Defectors,Incoming voters,Portugal,Social democracy,Elections

• Sociology - Social Sciences
• Political Science - Social Sciences

This publication is an output of the following project(s):

• Candidates Survey (MPs and non-elected candidates) for the 2019 Legislative Elections
• Candidates Survey (MPs and non-elected candidates) for the 2022 Legislative Elections
• Candidates Survey (MPs and non-elected candidates) for the 2024 Legislative Elections