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Mainstream political parties are more and more allowing the radical right to set the political agenda, according to a new research conducted in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Academics found that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped radical groups by legitimising their viewpoints and spreading them more widely.

Study Drawing from Over 20 Years of News Reporting

The findings, published in the academic journal on political studies, utilized an automated text analysis of more than 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen national newspapers.

Berlin-based scholars observed that as the radical faction shifted from fringe issues in the 1990s era to core subjects like integration and migration, mainstream political groups increasingly adjusted their messaging in response.

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

Implications for Democracy

"Public discourse by established political groups plays a central role in the voting performance of the far right," stated a political sociologist involved in the study.

"This factor has been underestimated," she noted.

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

Mainstreaming Phenomenon Throughout the Continent

While the research was centered around Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is likely to apply to countries across the European continent.

"This is frequently observed in European news outlets," said another researcher. "Radical groups says something and everybody begins discussing it for one week."

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

Toughening of Public Rhetoric

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

In a recently published discussion, a then German chancellor advocated large-scale deportations and urged them to happen "more often and faster."

Similar examples can be found throughout the continent, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic adopt the language of the far right, especially on immigration.

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

Core Issue: Who Dictates the Narrative?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are discussing cultural issues – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," explained a study author.

Other political parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the strict platform of the far right, even as studies suggests that doing so leads voters to cast their ballot for the far right.

Gradual Influence and Voter Awareness

The scope of data gathered showed that the influence of far-right groups had been gradual and had increased over time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," commented a researcher. "However, when you encounter this negative framing around immigration every second week, and it is being spread not only by far-right parties but also, for instance, by established political organizations, then of course this narrative gains more traction."

Requirement for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

The study highlighted the necessity for established parties to develop their distinct narratives, especially on topics such as migration and integration, instead of constantly trailing after the far right.

"It's like a dance," said one author. "If the conductor is radical and you're reacting to it, you cannot decide which tune should be heard."