European Far-Right Dictating the Political Narrative, Research Reveals

Established political parties are more and more allowing the radical right to dictate the political agenda, as per a recent research carried out in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Researchers found that this phenomenon has inadvertently benefited far-right groups by legitimising their ideas and spreading them more widely.

Study Based on Over 20 Years of News Reporting

The results, published in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an computerized content review of more than 520,000 articles from six national publications.

Capital-based scholars noted that as the far right shifted from marginal topics in the 1990s era to central themes like assimilation and immigration, mainstream parties progressively adjusted their messaging in response.

This adjustment amplified the dissemination of these ideas and signaled to the electorate that such stances were acceptable.

Consequences for Democracy

"Political communication by mainstream political groups is crucial in the electoral success of the radical right," explained a expert in political behavior participating in the research.

"This element has been underestimated," she noted.

The impact was evident even when conventional parties were condemning the far right. "They still receive focus," the researcher remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this focus is crucial."

Mainstreaming Effect Throughout the Continent

While the research was centered around Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is likely to affect nations throughout Europe.

"You see this a lot in German and British media," said another researcher. "Radical groups makes a statement and everyone begins discussing it for one week."

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

Hardening of Public Rhetoric

At times, political figures have also toughened their discourse to match that of the radical right.

In a recent discussion, a former German chancellor called for widespread deportations and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable instances can be found throughout Europe, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to France adopt the language of the far right, especially on immigration.

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

Central Problem: Who Sets the Narrative?

"{If you're a centrist party and you are talking about cultural issues – migration, assimilation – in a way that is determined by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of agenda setting," clarified a study author.

Some parties have taken additional measures, seeking to copy the strict platform of the far right, despite research indicates that this approach drives voters to vote for the radical faction.

Progressive Influence and Voter Awareness

The extent of data gathered revealed that the impact 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 migration frequently, and it is being spread not only by radical groups but also, for example, by mainstream political organizations, then of course this storyline travels further."

Need for Mainstream Groups to Carve Out Their Own Discourses

The study highlighted the necessity for established political parties to carve out their distinct narratives, particularly on subjects such as migration and integration, instead of constantly following the radical right.

"It resembles a choreography," explained one researcher. "If the conductor is far-right and you're reacting to it, you cannot decide which tune should be playing."