The European far right: actually right? Or left? Or something altogether different?

[ikri]

11. Socially Right-Wing / Economically Left-Wing

At least, that's how I see most of these groups. Economically they're reasonably left wing, some (like the BNP in the UK) want guaranteed minimum incomes and talk of job creation/protections that resonates with a lot of people who have lost, or are worried about losing, jobs to cheaper overseas workers.

Conversely, they're often very right wing when it comes to social issues. Minority rights may as well not exist and the penalties for even minor crimes are usually pretty drastic.

It's a mistake to lump the social and economic policies together when describing most political parties (the Republicans are the exception - far right socially and economically).