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Mainstream parties in power are increasingly enabling the radical right to set the political agenda, as per a new study conducted in Germany.

Researchers found that this phenomenon has inadvertently benefited far-right groups by validating their ideas and disseminating them more widely.

Study Drawing from Over 20 Years of News Reporting

The results, released in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an automated text analysis of more than 520,000 articles from six national newspapers.

Berlin-based researchers observed that as the radical faction moved from fringe issues in the 1990s era to central subjects like assimilation and immigration, mainstream parties increasingly adjusted their communication in reaction.

This adjustment amplified the spread of these concepts and indicated to the electorate that such stances were legitimate.

Implications for Democratic Systems

"Political communication 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 factor has been underestimated," she noted.

The impact was noticeable even when conventional groups were criticising the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the expert remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this attention is crucial."

Normalisation Effect Throughout the Continent

While the study was centered around the German context, this normalisation effect is probable to affect countries throughout Europe.

"This is frequently observed in European news outlets," explained another researcher. "The far right says something and everyone starts talking about it for several days."

"Although you're opposing it, you're repeating it," he stated.

Hardening of Public Rhetoric

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

In a recently published interview, a then national leader advocated widespread expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more often and faster."

Similar instances can be found across Europe, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic embrace the rhetoric of the radical right, particularly on immigration.

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

Central Problem: Who Sets the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate party and you are discussing societal topics – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of agenda setting," clarified a study author.

Some political parties have gone one step further, attempting to emulate the strict platform of the radical right, despite studies suggests that this approach leads the electorate to vote for the radical faction.

Gradual Influence and Voter Awareness

The extent of data gathered showed that the influence of radical parties had been gradual 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 far-right parties but also, for example, by mainstream political organizations, then of course this narrative gains more traction."

Requirement for Mainstream Groups to Develop Their Own Narratives

The study highlighted the need for established parties to carve out their distinct discourses, particularly on subjects such as migration and assimilation, instead of continuously following the far right.

"It's like a dance," explained one author. "If the conductor is far-right and you're reacting to it, you cannot decide which tune should be playing."