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Mainstream parties in power are more and more enabling the radical right to set the political agenda, as per a recent study carried out in Germany.

Researchers found that this phenomenon has inadvertently benefited radical groups by validating their viewpoints and disseminating them more widely.

Analysis Based on Over 20 Years of Media Coverage

The findings, published in the academic journal on political studies, relied on an computerized content review of over 520,000 articles from a half-dozen German publications.

Berlin-based scholars noted that as the radical faction shifted from marginal topics in the late 1990s to core themes like integration and immigration, mainstream political groups increasingly adapted their communication in response.

This adaptation boosted the dissemination of these concepts and signaled to the electorate that such positions were legitimate.

Consequences for Democracy

"Public discourse by mainstream parties plays a central role in the voting performance of the far right," stated a political sociologist participating in the research.

"This element has been overlooked," she noted.

The effect was evident even when conventional parties were condemning the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the researcher commented. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this focus is key."

Mainstreaming Phenomenon Throughout Europe

While the research was focused on the German context, this normalisation effect is probable to apply to countries across Europe.

"This is frequently observed in European news outlets," said another co-author. "Radical groups makes a statement and everybody starts talking about it for several days."

"Although you're countering it, you're repeating it," he added.

Toughening of Public Rhetoric

At times, leaders have also hardened their discourse to align with that of the radical right.

In a recently published discussion, a then national leader called for widespread expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more often and faster."

Comparable instances can be observed across the continent, as elected officials from nations ranging from the United Kingdom to the French Republic adopt the language of the far right, especially on migration.

This has created an echo chamber that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

Core Problem: Who Sets the Narrative?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are talking about societal topics – migration, integration – in a way that is determined by the pace of the far right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," explained a researcher.

Some political parties have taken additional measures, seeking to copy the strict agenda of the radical right, despite studies indicates that doing so drives voters to cast their ballot for the far right.

Gradual Influence and Public Perception

The extent of information collected showed that the impact of radical groups had been gradual and had increased over time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from one day to another," commented a researcher. "But if you encounter this negative framing around immigration frequently, 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."

Need for Established Groups to Carve Out Their Own Narratives

The research highlighted the need for established political parties to develop their distinct narratives, particularly on topics such as migration and assimilation, rather than constantly following the far right.

"It resembles a choreography," explained one author. "If the conductor is far-right and you're responding to them, you lose the ability to choose which music should be playing."