Migrant Political Activism in Vienna, Brussels, Berlin, and Amsterdam: The Role of Voting Rights in Shaping Protest Behavior

Objective: Understanding migrants’ political participation beyond elections remains vital for assessing the quality of democracy in increasingly diverse European societies. This article investigates migrant participation in protests across four major European cities with substantial migrant populations: Vienna, Brussels, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Specifically, the study explores how local voting rights for non-nationals, a key indicator of institutional inclusion, influence protest behavior. Methods: This study draws on data from the European Social Survey (ESS), Rounds 1–11. Guided by the political opportunity structure framework, the study tests the hypothesis that migrants living in cities where local voting rights are extended to noncitizens are more likely to engage in protest compared to those in more restrictive contexts. Results: Contrary to expectations, local voting rights are associated with lower protest participation. Perceived discrimination increases protest likelihood, supporting grievance-based mobilization theories. Protest is also more common in cities with favorable public opinion toward immigrants. Notably, the suppressive effect of voting rights is strongest among EU non-citizens. Conclusion: Notwithstanding expectations, rights may pacify; protest seems to flourish not where rights are granted, but where they are denied. The results underscore the complex interplay between institutional opportunities, public discourse, and individual experiences in shaping migrant political behavior.