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Mainstream political parties are more and more enabling the radical right to dictate the political agenda, according to a new research carried out in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Academics found that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped far-right groups by legitimising their ideas and spreading them to a broader audience.

Study Drawing from Over 20 Years of Media Coverage

The results, published in the academic journal on political studies, utilized an computerized content review of more than 520,000 news pieces from six German newspapers.

Berlin-based researchers noted that as the radical faction moved from fringe issues in the late 1990s to central subjects like integration and migration, mainstream political groups progressively adapted their communication in response.

This adaptation amplified the dissemination of these concepts and signaled to voters that such positions were acceptable.

Consequences for Democratic Systems

"Political communication by established parties plays a central role in the electoral success of the far right," stated a political sociologist participating in the research.

"This factor has been underestimated," she added.

The impact was noticeable even when mainstream 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 focus is key."

Mainstreaming Effect Throughout the Continent

While the study was centered around Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to apply to nations across the European continent.

"You see this a lot in German and British media," explained another researcher. "Radical groups makes a statement and everyone starts talking about it for one week."

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

Toughening of Political Rhetoric

At times, political figures have also hardened their language to align with that of the far right.

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

Comparable instances can be found across Europe, as politicians from countries ranging from the UK to France embrace the rhetoric of the far right, especially on immigration.

This has created an feedback loop that would have been unthinkable a ten years prior.

Core Problem: Who Dictates the Agenda?

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

Other political parties have gone one step further, attempting to emulate the hardline platform of the far right, despite research suggests that this approach drives the electorate to cast their ballot for the far right.

Gradual Impact and Public Perception

The scope of information gathered showed that the impact of far-right groups had been progressive and had increased over time.

"Public perception doesn't change from day to day," commented a co-author. "But if you hear this negative framing around immigration frequently, and it is being disseminated not only by far-right parties but also, for instance, by mainstream political organizations, then of course this storyline gains more traction."

Requirement for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Distinct Narratives

The research emphasized the necessity for mainstream political parties to develop their distinct discourses, especially on subjects such as immigration and integration, instead of constantly following the far right.

"It resembles a choreography," explained one researcher. "If the conductor is radical and you're reacting to it, you lose the ability to choose which music should be heard."