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

Academics discovered that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped radical parties by legitimising their viewpoints and disseminating them more widely.

Study Based on Two Decades of Media Coverage

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

Capital-based researchers observed that as the radical faction shifted from fringe issues in the 1990s era to central themes like integration and migration, mainstream parties progressively adapted their messaging in response.

This adaptation amplified the spread of these ideas and indicated to voters that such stances were acceptable.

Implications for Democratic Systems

"Political communication by established parties plays a central role in the voting performance of the far right," explained a political sociologist participating in the research.

"This element has been underestimated," she added.

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

Mainstreaming Effect Throughout the Continent

While the research was focused on Germany, this normalisation effect is likely to affect countries throughout the European continent.

"This is frequently observed in European media," said another researcher. "Radical groups makes a statement and everybody begins discussing it for one week."

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

Toughening of Public Discourse

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

In a recent discussion, a then national leader called for large-scale expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable examples can be found across Europe, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic adopt the language of the far right, particularly on immigration.

This has created an echo chamber that was unthinkable a decade ago.

Central Problem: Who Dictates the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate party and you are discussing cultural issues – immigration, assimilation – 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 political parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the strict agenda of the far right, despite studies indicates that doing so drives the electorate to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Gradual Impact and Public Perception

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

"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," commented a researcher. "However, when you encounter this negative framing around migration every second week, 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 Groups to Develop Their Distinct Narratives

The research highlighted the need for established political parties to develop their own discourses, particularly on subjects such as migration and assimilation, rather than constantly trailing after the far right.

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