German far right shapes agenda as mainstream parties amplify their ideas, study finds
Mainstream parties in Germany amplify far-right ideas, helping shape the agenda, study finds.
Why it matters
- Mainstream engagement with far-right ideas, even in criticism, aids their normalization.
- This dynamic risks undermining democratic discourse.
By the numbers
- Study analyzed 520,408 articles from six German newspapers over 20 years.
- Far-right topics shifted from fringe to mainstream issues like migration.
The big picture
- Pattern observed in Germany likely applies across Europe.
- Mainstream adoption of far-right rhetoric further legitimizes their agenda.
What they're saying
- Researchers: Mainstream parties’ role in far-right success is underestimated.
- Public comments compare to US dynamics, note long-standing warnings.
Caveats
- Study relies on media analysis, not direct voter behavior data.
- Findings primarily German, but researchers suggest broader relevance.
What’s next
- Mainstream parties may need to craft independent narratives on key issues.