Do left wing governments spend more on social spending in Europe? Socially Right: Government SHOULD interfere with society and social lives of citizens Socially Left: Government should NOT interfere in society and social lives of citizens. Economic Right: Government should NOT interfere in the economy (tax and spend too much) Economic Left: Government SHOULD interfere in the economy (tax and spend much).

An extreme example currently happening in some European countries is that governments spend larger amounts on social benefits and citizens take advantage or start to develop a sense of entitlement.

Strictly speaking we would assume that left wing governments do spend more on social spending but with the recent financial crisis these left wing governments are struggling to oblige with their party’s manifesto as most of their government expenditure is being used to repay the national debt.

Luxemborg: Right Wing

Denmark: Right Wing

Sweden: Right Wing

Netherlands: Right Wing

Italy : Right Wing

Spain: Left Wing

Greece : Left Wing

Portugal: Right Wing

From 1999 to today.

Left, right, left: how political shifts have altered the map of EuropeWith 20 EU member states now under varying degrees of rightwing government, Europe has rarely been more blue. See how has its political complexion has changed in the 38 years since Britain joined the EECNote: This graphic has been amended to clarify or correct a number of points

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Sheila Pulham , Chris Fenn, Garry Blight and Guardian Research Department

guardian.co.uk , Wednesday 9 May 2012 10.00 BST

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