Established political parties are more and more enabling the far right to dictate the political agenda, as per a new research carried out in Germany.
Researchers found that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped radical groups by validating their viewpoints and disseminating them to a broader audience.
Study Based on Two Decades of News Coverage
The findings, published in the academic journal on political studies, utilized an automated text analysis of over 520,000 news pieces from six national newspapers.
Berlin-based researchers observed that as the far right moved from marginal topics in the late 1990s to core subjects like integration and immigration, established political groups increasingly adjusted their messaging in response.
This adaptation amplified the spread of these ideas and indicated to the electorate that such stances were acceptable.
Implications for Democratic Systems
"Political communication by mainstream parties is crucial in the electoral success of the radical right," stated a political sociologist participating in the research.
"This element has been underestimated," she added.
The effect was noticeable even when conventional parties were condemning the far right. "They still receive focus," the expert commented. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this focus is crucial."
Mainstreaming Effect Throughout Europe
While the study was centered around Germany, this normalisation effect is probable to affect nations across the European continent.
"This is frequently observed in German and British media," said another co-author. "The far right makes a statement and everybody starts talking about it for one week."
"Although you're opposing it, you're echoing it," he stated.
Hardening of Public Rhetoric
At certain points, leaders have also toughened their language to align with that of the radical right.
In a recently published discussion, a former national leader advocated large-scale deportations and pushed for them to happen "more often and faster."
Similar instances can be found throughout the continent, as politicians from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic embrace the rhetoric of the radical right, particularly on migration.
This has created an echo chamber that was inconceivable a ten years prior.
Central Issue: Who Sets the Narrative?
"{If you're a centrist party and you are talking about cultural issues – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the pace of the far right, that's the essence of narrative control," explained a study author.
Other parties have taken additional measures, attempting to emulate the hardline agenda of the far right, despite studies indicates that this approach drives the electorate to vote for the far right.
Gradual Influence and Public Perception
The scope of information gathered showed that the influence of far-right groups had been gradual and had increased with the passage of time.
"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," stated a researcher. "However, when you encounter this pessimistic narrative around immigration frequently, and it is being disseminated not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by established political organizations, then of course this storyline travels further."
Requirement for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Own Narratives
The research highlighted the necessity for mainstream parties to carve out their distinct narratives, especially on subjects such as immigration and integration, rather than continuously following the radical right.
"It resembles a choreography," said one author. "If the conductor is far-right and you're responding to them, you cannot decide which tune should be heard."
