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Mainstream political parties are more and more enabling the far right to set the political agenda, according to a new study conducted in Germany.

Academics found that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped far-right groups by legitimising their viewpoints and disseminating them more widely.

Study Based on Two Decades of Media Reporting

The findings, published in the European Journal of Political Research, relied on an automated text analysis of over 520,000 articles from six German publications.

Berlin-based scholars observed that as the radical faction moved from fringe issues in the late 1990s to central subjects like integration and immigration, established parties increasingly adapted their communication in reaction.

This adaptation amplified the dissemination of these ideas and indicated to the electorate that such stances were legitimate.

Consequences for Democratic Systems

"Political discourse by established political groups plays a central role in the voting performance of the radical right," explained a political sociologist participating in the study.

"This element has been underestimated," she added.

The impact was evident even when mainstream parties were condemning the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the expert commented. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is key."

Mainstreaming Phenomenon Across Europe

While the research was focused on the German context, this normalisation effect is probable to apply to nations across the European continent.

"This is frequently observed in German and British news outlets," explained another co-author. "The far right makes a statement and everybody begins discussing it for one week."

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

Hardening of Political Rhetoric

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

In a recently published interview, a then German chancellor advocated widespread expulsions and urged them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable instances can be observed across the continent, as politicians from countries ranging from the United Kingdom to the French Republic adopt the language of the radical right, particularly on migration.

This has created an echo chamber that would have been unthinkable a ten years prior.

Central Issue: Who Dictates the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate party and you are talking about societal topics – migration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the radical right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," clarified a study author.

Some parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the hardline agenda of the far right, despite studies suggests that doing so leads voters to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Progressive Impact and Voter Awareness

The scope of information collected revealed that the influence of radical groups had been progressive and had increased with the passage of time.

"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," commented a researcher. "However, when you hear this negative framing around immigration frequently, and it is being spread not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by established parties, then of course this narrative gains more traction."

Need for Mainstream Groups to Develop Their Own Narratives

The study highlighted the need for established political parties to develop their distinct narratives, especially on subjects such as migration and assimilation, rather than continuously trailing after the radical right.

"It's like a dance," explained one researcher. "If the conductor is far-right and you're responding to them, you cannot decide which music should be playing."