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Mainstream parties in power are increasingly allowing the far right to dictate the political agenda, according to a new research carried out in Germany.

Academics discovered that this phenomenon has unwittingly benefited radical groups by legitimising their viewpoints and disseminating them to a broader audience.

Study Drawing from Two Decades of Media Reporting

The findings, published in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an automated text analysis of more than 520,000 articles from a half-dozen German newspapers.

Berlin-based researchers observed that as the radical faction moved from fringe issues in the 1990s era to core subjects like assimilation and immigration, established parties progressively adjusted their messaging in reaction.

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

Implications for Democracy

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

"This element has been overlooked," she noted.

The impact was noticeable even when mainstream groups were criticising the radical faction. "You're still giving them attention," the researcher remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is key."

Mainstreaming Effect Across Europe

While the research was focused on the German context, this mainstreaming phenomenon is likely to affect nations throughout the European continent.

"This is frequently observed in European media," explained another researcher. "The far right says something and everybody begins discussing it for several days."

"Although you're countering it, you're echoing it," he stated.

Toughening of Public Rhetoric

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

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

Comparable examples can be found across the continent, as politicians from countries ranging from the UK to France adopt the rhetoric of the far right, particularly on migration.

This has formed an echo chamber that would have been inconceivable a decade ago.

Central Problem: Who Sets the Agenda?

"{If you're a centrist party and you are discussing cultural issues – migration, assimilation – in a way that is determined by the rhythm of the far right, that's the whole idea of narrative control," clarified a researcher.

Other parties have taken additional measures, seeking to copy the strict agenda of the radical right, even as studies suggests that doing so drives voters to vote for the far right.

Progressive Influence and Voter Awareness

The extent of data gathered revealed that the impact of far-right groups had been progressive and had grown with the passage of time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," stated a researcher. "But if you hear this pessimistic narrative around immigration frequently, and it is being spread not only by radical groups but also, for example, by established political organizations, then of course this narrative gains more traction."

Requirement for Established Groups to Develop Their Distinct Narratives

The study highlighted the necessity for mainstream parties to develop their own narratives, particularly on subjects such as immigration and assimilation, instead of constantly trailing after the radical right.

"It resembles a choreography," said one author. "When the leader is radical and you're responding to them, you cannot decide which tune should be heard."