German far right setting agenda as opponents amplify its ideas, study finds

Germany's Mainstream Parties Accidentally Fuel Far Right Agenda

In a striking study, researchers in Germany have found that mainstream parties are inadvertently allowing the far right to dictate the agenda, a phenomenon with significant implications for democracy. Analyzing over 520,000 articles from six German newspapers spanning nearly two decades, the research reveals how mainstream parties' responses to far-right ideas have boosted their dissemination and legitimized them among voters.

The study's findings suggest that as the far right transitioned from fringe issues in the late 1990s to more mainstream topics like integration and migration, mainstream parties began to mirror its language and rhetoric. This normalization effect has enabled the far right to set the tone on cultural issues, making it increasingly difficult for moderate voices to be heard.

The researchers discovered that even when mainstream parties are criticizing the far right, they often inadvertently amplify its ideas by giving them attention. This "battle for attention" is crucial in shaping public perception and influencing voter behavior, according to Teresa Völker, co-author of the study. "You're still giving them attention," she noted. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is key."

The study's impact extends beyond Germany, with Daniel Saldivia Gonzatti, co-author, suggesting that similar normalization effects can be observed across Europe, particularly in German and British media. The far right's ability to dictate the agenda has created an "echo chamber" where moderate parties are forced to respond to its ideas rather than setting their own discourse.

In Germany, leaders have even adopted the language of the far right, with Olaf Scholz, then-German chancellor, proposing deportations on a large scale. This phenomenon is not unique to Germany, as politicians across Europe, including in the UK and France, have adopted the language of the far right on migration and integration issues.

The researchers argue that mainstream parties must take responsibility for setting their own discourses, particularly on sensitive topics like migration and integration. If they continue to trail behind the far right, they risk losing control over the narrative and inadvertently fueling its agenda.

"This is like a dance," said Saldivia Gonzatti. "If the conductor is far-right and you're reacting to it, you cannot decide which music should be playing." The study's findings highlight the urgent need for mainstream parties to reclaim their discourses and resist the normalization effect of the far right.

I'm really bummed out about this Germany study on mainstream parties fueling the far right agenda... It's like, you'd think politicians would be more thoughtful in how they address sensitive topics, but nope! They're more interested in trying to one-up each other and give attention to the far right. It's all about being loud and getting noticed, rather than actually having a nuanced conversation about how to address issues like integration and migration.

I remember when politicians used to be more straightforward with their messaging... You'd know exactly where they stood on an issue without having to read between the lines or worry about who said what first. It's sad that we've lost some of that civility and respect for opposing views.

But hey, I guess this study might make us all think twice before giving the far right too much attention... Maybe it's time for mainstream parties to take a step back, regroup, and figure out how to set their own discourses without getting hijacked by the agenda. Fingers crossed!

OMG u guys! this study in Germany is like SOOOO relevant rn i mean we all know how fast the far right is spreading, but who knew it was the mainstream parties that are ENABLING them? like seriously, when they start mimicking the far right's language and rhetoric, it's like they're giving them a megaphone and making it easier for them to get their ideas out there.

and don't even get me started on how this affects moderate voices being heard basically, if you're not talking about these issues in your own words, someone else will talk about 'em instead of you, and that's just not fair

i'm low-key terrified that if we keep letting the far right set the agenda, they'll become the dominant narrative

idk why ppl gotta make such a big deal about everything ... main stream parties just mirror what's poppin in society, it's not like they're tryin to fuel the fire or nothin' . and btw, if ur gonna criticize somethin', maybe instead of just sayin "oh we disagree", actually have a real solution . it's not that hard, people .

The problem isn't the problem, the problem is the solution . Mainstream parties are trying too hard to compete with the far right, but in doing so, they're giving them more attention and legitimacy than ever before . It's time for these parties to stop playing defense and start setting their own agenda on issues like migration and integration .

Germany's mainstream parties seem to be giving the far right too much oxygen. They mirror its language and rhetoric, making it harder for moderate voices to get heard. It's like a game of "catch me if you can" where the far right gets all the attention . Mainstream parties need to take control of their own discourse on sensitive topics or risk getting pushed out by the echo chamber effect . Leaders are already adopting the language of the far right, and it's not just Germany - this is a European issue . Politicians gotta set their own tone, not react to the far right's narrative . Can't let the music change if you're just reacting to it .

OMG this is soooo weird that mainstream parties are inadvertently giving the far right a platform! Like, I get it, they're trying to stay relevant and all but does it have to come at the cost of democracy?

I mean, think about it - when you're trying to be seen as "mainstream" and not too radical, you tend to adopt their language and ideas. It's like, you don't want to be that party that's totally on the fringes, right? But what does that say about us as a society?

And I love how they say it's creating an "echo chamber" where moderate parties are forced to respond to the far right instead of setting their own agenda. That makes total sense - like, if you're not talking about these issues, then they'll just fill the space with their own rhetoric.

I do wish more leaders would take responsibility for setting their own discourses, especially on sensitive topics. It's like, we need to have a nuanced conversation about these issues instead of just reacting to what everyone else is saying.

What do you guys think? Should mainstream parties be taking a harder stance against the far right or should they try to coexist with them?

idk how much more normal it can get for the far right to dictate the agenda in germany without anyone questioning it like, what's next? are they gonna propose mandatory veganism or something? seriously though, this study is super telling. mainstream parties are literally mirroring the far right's language and rhetoric, which is just mind-blowing. and now german chancellor olaf scholz is even using their talking points on deportation... it's like, how do you not see where this is going? the researchers are right, we need to take responsibility for setting our own discourses, especially when it comes to sensitive topics. otherwise, we're just enabling the far right's agenda and perpetuating this echo chamber effect

just read this crazy stat that in germany, far right ideas are getting more attention than moderate voices . it's like they're feeding them to the public through mainsteam parties' responses . i think it's so important for politicians to take responsibility for their own discourses, especially on sensitive topics like migration & integration . if they don't set the tone themselves, the far right will just dictate the agenda & it'll be super hard for moderate voices to be heard . gotta change that dynamic ASAP

omg u gotta feel me on this lol... these mainstream parties in germany are like totally enabling the far right agenda they're so focused on not getting roasted by the far right that they're actually helping it get more attention and legitimized in people's minds meanwhile, moderate voices are just getting drowned out like, what even is the point of having a party if u can't set ur own agenda? u feel me tho, its like this whole echo chamber thing where ppl r stuck in this cycle of responding to the far right instead of creating their own discourse