In a dramatic shift shaking European politics, traditional centre-left and centrist parties are increasingly adopting the inflammatory language of far-right movements in what experts call a "dangerous political experiment." New research reveals this controversial strategy might be backfiring spectacularly.
The Desperate Bid for Relevance
Across Europe, established political parties facing declining support are turning to nationalist rhetoric, particularly on immigration, to win back voters. A comprehensive study examining 260 mainstream parties across 28 European countries from 2007 to 2022 reveals this troubling trend. Mainstream parties are increasingly mirroring the anti-immigration stance of far-right competitors, hoping to neutralize their appeal.
Why This Strategy Is Failing
Contrary to expectations, this approach appears to be failing on multiple fronts:
- Credibility Crisis: Voters tend to trust far-right parties more on immigration issues, viewing mainstream parties as opportunistic rather than genuine
- Core Voter Alienation: Traditional supporters feel betrayed when centre-left parties abandon progressive values
- Normalization of Extremism: Adopting far-right talking points inadvertently legitimizes radical viewpoints
The German Case Study
The research highlights Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) as a prime example. During the 2017-18 government formation period, the SPD hardened its immigration stance significantly. However, this shift failed to win over sceptical voters and instead alienated their traditional base.
Expert Analysis: A Losing Game
Political scientists warn that this strategy represents fundamental miscalculation. "When mainstream parties adopt radical rhetoric, they don't win over far-right supporters but instead normalize extreme positions in public discourse," explains one researcher. The study suggests that doubling down on core values and offering constructive alternatives might be more effective than mimicking opponents.
The Broader Implications
This trend reflects deeper challenges in European politics:
- Mainstream parties struggling with identity crises in rapidly changing political landscapes
- The ongoing tension between principle and pragmatism in political strategy
- Growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional political establishments
- The complex dynamics of immigration as a political wedge issue
As European nations grapple with these challenges, the research serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of abandoning political principles for short-term electoral gains.
