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Mainstream parties in power are more and more allowing the far right to set the political agenda, according to a new study conducted in Germany.

Academics discovered that this phenomenon has inadvertently helped far-right parties by legitimising their viewpoints and spreading them to a broader audience.

Analysis Based on Two Decades of Media Reporting

The findings, published in the European Journal of Political Research, relied on an automated text analysis of over 520,000 news pieces from six German publications.

Capital-based scholars observed that as the far right shifted from fringe issues in the late 1990s to core subjects like assimilation and immigration, mainstream political groups progressively adjusted their communication in response.

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

Consequences for Democracy

"Political discourse by mainstream parties plays a central role in the voting performance of the radical right," stated a political sociologist involved in the research.

"This factor has been overlooked," she added.

The effect was evident even when mainstream groups were criticising the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the expert commented. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this focus is key."

Normalisation Effect Across Europe

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

"This is frequently observed in German and British news outlets," said another researcher. "The far right says something and everybody starts talking about it for several days."

"Even if you're opposing it, you're repeating it," he stated.

Toughening of Public Rhetoric

At certain points, leaders have also toughened their discourse to match that of the radical right.

In a recently published discussion, a former national leader advocated large-scale expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more often and faster."

Similar examples can be found throughout Europe, as elected officials from nations including the United Kingdom to France embrace the rhetoric of the far right, particularly on migration.

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

Central Problem: Who Sets the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are talking about cultural issues – migration, integration – in a way that is determined by the rhythm of the radical right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," clarified a researcher.

Other parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the hardline platform of the far right, even as studies indicates that doing so drives voters to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Gradual Impact and Voter Awareness

The scope of information collected revealed that the impact of radical parties had been progressive and had grown over time.

"Public perception doesn't change from day to day," stated a co-author. "However, when you encounter this negative framing around migration frequently, and it is being spread not only by far-right parties but also, for example, by mainstream parties, then of course this storyline travels further."

Need for Established Groups to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

The study highlighted the need for mainstream political parties to carve out their own discourses, particularly on subjects such as immigration and integration, rather than continuously trailing after the far right.

"It's like a dance," said one researcher. "If the conductor is radical and you're reacting to it, you lose the ability to choose which music should be playing."