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Mainstream parties in power are more and more enabling the far right to set the public discourse, according to a recent research conducted in Germany.

Academics found that this trend has unwittingly helped radical groups by legitimising their viewpoints and spreading them to a broader audience.

Study Based on Two Decades of Media Reporting

The results, released in the academic journal on political studies, relied on an computerized content review of more than 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen German publications.

Capital-based scholars noted that as the far right moved from fringe issues in the late 1990s to central subjects like assimilation and migration, established political groups progressively adapted their messaging in response.

This adjustment amplified the spread of these concepts and signaled to voters that such positions were legitimate.

Implications for Democracy

"Political communication by mainstream political groups is crucial in the electoral success of the radical right," stated a expert in political behavior participating in the study.

"This factor has been overlooked," she added.

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

Mainstreaming Phenomenon Across the Continent

While the research was centered around Germany, this normalisation effect is likely to affect nations throughout Europe.

"This is frequently observed in European news outlets," explained another co-author. "Radical groups says something and everyone starts talking about it for one week."

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

Toughening of Political Rhetoric

At certain points, leaders have also toughened their discourse to align with that of the far right.

In a recent interview, a former German chancellor called for large-scale expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Similar examples can be observed across Europe, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic adopt the language of the radical right, especially on immigration.

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

Core Issue: Who Dictates the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are talking about societal topics – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of narrative control," clarified a study author.

Some parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the hardline agenda of the radical right, even as research indicates that doing so leads voters to vote for the far right.

Progressive Impact and Public Perception

The scope of data gathered showed that the influence of far-right groups had been gradual and had grown with the passage of time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," stated a co-author. "However, when you hear this pessimistic narrative around immigration frequently, and it is being disseminated not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by mainstream political organizations, then of course this storyline travels further."

Need for Established Parties to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

The research emphasized the necessity for mainstream parties to carve out their distinct narratives, particularly on subjects such as migration and assimilation, rather than continuously trailing after the radical right.

"It's like a dance," said one author. "If the conductor is radical and you're reacting to it, you lose the ability to choose which tune should be playing."