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Mainstream parties in power are increasingly allowing the radical right to dictate the political agenda, according to a new study carried out in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Academics discovered that this trend has unwittingly benefited far-right parties by validating their viewpoints and disseminating them to a broader audience.

Study Based on Over 20 Years of Media Coverage

The results, released in the European Journal of Political Research, relied on an computerized content review of more than 520,000 articles from six national publications.

Capital-based researchers noted that as the far right moved from marginal topics in the late 1990s to core subjects like assimilation and migration, mainstream political groups progressively adjusted their communication in reaction.

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

Consequences for Democracy

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

"This element has been overlooked," she noted.

The effect was noticeable even when mainstream parties were criticising the far right. "You're still giving them attention," the expert remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is key."

Mainstreaming Effect Across the Continent

While the research was centered around the German context, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to affect countries across the European continent.

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

"Even if you're opposing it, you're repeating it," he added.

Hardening of Political Discourse

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

In a recent discussion, a former German chancellor advocated widespread deportations and urged them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable instances can be found throughout the continent, as politicians from countries ranging from the United Kingdom to France adopt the rhetoric of the radical right, particularly on immigration.

This has created an feedback loop that was inconceivable a decade ago.

Central Issue: Who Dictates the Narrative?

"{If you're a centrist party and you are talking about societal topics – immigration, integration – in a way that is determined by the rhythm of the radical right, that's the essence of agenda setting," clarified a researcher.

Other political parties have taken additional measures, attempting to emulate the strict platform of the far right, despite studies suggests that this approach drives voters to vote for the far right.

Gradual Influence and Public Perception

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

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," commented a co-author. "But if you hear this negative framing around migration frequently, and it is being disseminated not only by radical groups but also, for example, by mainstream parties, then of course this narrative travels further."

Need for Mainstream Groups to Carve Out Their Distinct Narratives

The research emphasized the need for established parties to carve out their distinct narratives, especially on topics such as immigration and integration, rather than constantly trailing after the far right.

"It's like a dance," said one researcher. "When the leader is radical and you're responding to them, you cannot decide which music should be heard."