Wenn Debatten nach rechts kippen (2026)

Far-right parties are gaining influence in many democracies – and not in a political vacuum. Public debates, media dynamics, and the strategies of democratic parties determine which issues dominate and which interpretations prevail. But do democratic actors and the media themselves contribute to strengthening far-right forces? In the 2025 German federal election campaign, it was primarily migration that shaped both public debate and media coverage. To what extent does such a focus on a single issue strengthen right-wing parties and contribute to a shift in discourse to the right? What concrete effects does this have on voting decisions? And what responsibility do democratic actors bear in this regard? In her dissertation, social scientist Antonia May examined why far-right parties are currently successful and for whom they are attractive. Johannes Hillje advises ministries, parties, and politicians as a political and communications consultant, among other things, on matters of strategic communication. Journalist Annika Schneider takes a look at the current media landscape. Together they discuss how to shape a public debate that strengthens democratic positions without further normalizing far-right narratives. The discussion is moderated by political scientist Wolfgang Gründinger. #FarRight #Media #Democracy