As tens of thousands of Moroccans entered the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last week, Europe’s mainstream politicians looked to outbid the far right in terms of their knee-jerk reactions.
Some echoed calls to kick Spain out of the Schengen zone, while others accused the government of boosting illegal migration when it offered residency to those already in the country.
The long-term impact on electoral fortunes is yet to be seen – but adopting far-right talking points might unwittingly have strengthened the very forces that could take down Europe’s centre-left and centre-right parties.
Shorts
Studies have long pointed to the futility of accommodating far-right views on immigration, while suggesting that there is no evidence it enhances the appeal of mainstream parties. Instead, voters are more inclined to reject the copycats.
