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Mainstream political parties are more and more allowing the far right to set the public discourse, according to a recent research carried out in Germany.

Academics discovered that this trend has inadvertently helped far-right parties by validating their viewpoints and spreading them more widely.

Study Based on Two Decades of News Coverage

The findings, released in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an automated text analysis of over 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen German publications.

Berlin-based scholars observed that as the radical faction shifted from fringe issues in the late 1990s to core subjects like assimilation and migration, mainstream political groups increasingly adjusted their communication in reaction.

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

Consequences for Democratic Systems

"Public discourse by established parties 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 effect was evident even when mainstream groups were criticising the far right. "They still receive focus," the expert remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this attention is key."

Mainstreaming Effect Across Europe

While the study was centered around the German context, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to affect countries across Europe.

"This is frequently observed in German and British media," explained another researcher. "Radical groups says something and everybody starts talking about it for several days."

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

Toughening of Political Rhetoric

At times, leaders have also toughened their language to align with that of the far right.

In a recent interview, a then German chancellor called for widespread expulsions and urged them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable instances can be observed across the continent, as elected officials from countries ranging from the UK to the French Republic embrace the language of the far right, especially on migration.

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

Core Issue: Who Dictates the Narrative?

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

Other parties have taken additional measures, attempting to emulate the strict platform of the far right, despite research suggests that this approach drives voters to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Gradual Influence and Voter Awareness

The extent of data gathered showed that the impact of far-right parties had been gradual and had grown over time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," stated a researcher. "However, when you hear this negative framing around immigration every second week, and it is being spread not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by mainstream parties, then of course this storyline travels further."

Requirement for Established Groups to Carve Out Their Distinct Narratives

The research highlighted the necessity for mainstream political parties to carve out their distinct discourses, especially on topics such as migration and integration, instead of continuously following the far right.

"It resembles a choreography," explained one researcher. "If the conductor is far-right and you're reacting to it, you lose the ability to choose which tune should be heard."