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

Academics found that this trend has unwittingly benefited radical groups by legitimising their viewpoints and spreading them more widely.

Analysis Drawing from Two Decades of News Coverage

The results, released in the academic journal on political studies, utilized an computerized content review of more than 520,000 articles from six German publications.

Capital-based researchers observed that as the far right shifted from marginal topics in the 1990s era to central subjects like integration and immigration, mainstream political groups increasingly adjusted their messaging in reaction.

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

Consequences for Democratic Systems

"Political discourse by established parties is crucial in the voting performance of the radical right," explained a political sociologist involved in the research.

"This element has been overlooked," she noted.

The impact was noticeable even when mainstream groups were condemning the far right. "You're still giving them attention," the researcher commented. "The main point is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is crucial."

Mainstreaming Phenomenon Throughout the Continent

While the study was centered around the German context, this normalisation effect is probable to apply to countries throughout the European continent.

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

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

Toughening of Political Rhetoric

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

In a recent interview, a then German chancellor called for large-scale expulsions and urged them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Similar examples can be observed across the continent, 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 echo chamber that was inconceivable a decade ago.

Core Problem: Who Sets the Agenda?

"{If you're a moderate political group and you are talking about societal topics – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of agenda setting," explained a study author.

Some parties have gone one step further, attempting to emulate the strict platform of the radical right, even as research indicates that doing so leads voters to cast their ballot for the far right.

Gradual Impact and Voter Awareness

The scope of data collected showed that the influence of far-right groups had been progressive and had increased over time.

"Voter awareness doesn't change from day to day," commented a co-author. "However, when you hear this pessimistic narrative around immigration frequently, and it is being spread not only by far-right parties but also, for instance, by established political organizations, then of course this narrative gains more traction."

Requirement for Established Groups to Develop Their Own Discourses

The research highlighted the necessity for established parties to develop their distinct narratives, particularly on subjects such as immigration and assimilation, rather than constantly trailing after the radical right.

"It resembles a choreography," 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."