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Mainstream political parties are increasingly enabling the far right to set the political agenda, as per a new research conducted in Germany.

Researchers discovered that this trend has inadvertently benefited radical parties by legitimising their ideas and disseminating them more widely.

Analysis Based on Over 20 Years of Media Reporting

The results, published in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an computerized content review of more than 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen German publications.

Berlin-based researchers noted that as the far right shifted from marginal topics in the 1990s era to central themes like integration and migration, mainstream parties progressively adapted their communication in reaction.

This adjustment boosted the spread of these concepts and indicated to the electorate that such stances were acceptable.

Implications for Democratic Systems

"Political discourse by mainstream parties is crucial in the voting performance of the far right," stated a political sociologist participating in the study.

"This element has been underestimated," she noted.

The impact was noticeable even when mainstream parties were criticising the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the researcher commented. "The main point is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this focus is key."

Normalisation Phenomenon Across Europe

While the research was centered around Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to affect nations throughout Europe.

"This is frequently observed in German and British media," explained another co-author. "The far right makes a statement and everyone begins discussing it for several days."

"Even if you're countering it, you're repeating it," he added.

Toughening of Political Discourse

At certain points, political figures have also toughened their language to align with that of the radical right.

In a recent discussion, a then German chancellor advocated large-scale deportations and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Similar examples can be found throughout the continent, as politicians from countries ranging from the United Kingdom to the French Republic adopt the language of the far right, especially on immigration.

This has created an feedback loop that was inconceivable a decade ago.

Core Issue: Who Dictates the Narrative?

"{If you're a centrist party and you are talking about cultural issues – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the radical right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," explained a study author.

Some parties have gone one step further, attempting to emulate the strict agenda of the radical right, even as research suggests that this approach drives voters to cast their ballot for the far right.

Gradual Influence and Public Perception

The scope of information gathered showed that the impact of far-right groups had been gradual and had increased with the passage of time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," commented a researcher. "However, when you encounter this pessimistic narrative around migration every second week, and it is being spread not only by far-right parties but also, for example, by established political organizations, then of course this narrative travels further."

Requirement for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

The study emphasized the necessity for mainstream political parties to develop their own narratives, especially on topics such as migration and assimilation, rather than continuously following the radical right.

"It resembles a choreography," said one researcher. "When the leader is radical and you're responding to them, you cannot decide which tune should be heard."