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

Researchers discovered that this phenomenon has unwittingly benefited far-right groups by validating their ideas and spreading them more widely.

Analysis Drawing from Two Decades of Media Reporting

The results, released in the European Journal of Political Research, relied on an computerized content review of more than 520,000 articles from a half-dozen German publications.

Berlin-based scholars noted that as the far right moved from fringe issues in the late 1990s to central subjects like assimilation and migration, mainstream parties progressively adapted their communication in response.

This adaptation boosted the spread of these concepts and indicated to the electorate that such positions were legitimate.

Implications for Democracy

"Political communication by established political groups plays a central role in the electoral success of the far right," stated a expert in political behavior participating in the study.

"This factor has been overlooked," she added.

The effect was noticeable even when mainstream parties were criticising the far right. "They still receive focus," the expert commented. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this focus is key."

Normalisation Phenomenon Across Europe

While the study was centered around Germany, this normalisation effect is likely to affect nations throughout the European continent.

"You see this a lot in European media," said another co-author. "The far right says something and everybody starts talking about it for one week."

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

Toughening of Public Rhetoric

At certain points, political figures have also toughened their language to match that of the far right.

In a recent interview, a former national leader called for large-scale expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more often and faster."

Similar examples can be observed throughout Europe, as politicians from countries ranging from the United Kingdom to the French Republic adopt the language of the radical right, especially on immigration.

This has formed an feedback loop that was unthinkable a ten years prior.

Central Issue: Who Sets the Narrative?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are discussing societal topics – migration, assimilation – in a way that is dictated by the pace of the far right, that's the essence of narrative control," clarified a study author.

Some parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the hardline agenda of the radical right, despite research indicates that doing so drives voters to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Progressive Influence and Public Perception

The extent of information collected showed that the impact of radical parties had been progressive and had increased with the passage of time.

"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," stated a researcher. "But if you hear this pessimistic narrative around migration every second week, and it is being spread not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by established parties, then of course this narrative travels further."

Need for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

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

"It's like a dance," explained one author. "When the leader is radical and you're responding to them, you lose the ability to choose which tune should be playing."