From framing to strategy: Securitisation of migration in German and French far-right politics

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of migration framing within the political communication of two prominent Populist Radical Right Parties (PRRPs): Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and France’s Rassemblement National (RN) during the post-pandemic period (2021–2025). The research focuses on how these parties strategically categorize migration as a multidimensional threat to national identity, sovereignty, and socio-economic stability. Using systematic content analysis and word frequency methods on party manifestos and campaign materials, the study identifies significant shifts and patterns in their securitization strategies. The findings reveal that while the AfD maintains a consistent thematic focus on cultural and identity-based threats, the RN demonstrates a pragmatic transition from security-centered rhetoric to economically driven arguments between 2022 and 2024. By integrating Eurobarometer data on public concerns, the analysis explores the correlation between shifting public anxieties and the parties' thematic priorities. This comparative approach highlights the adaptive nature of PRRP communication, suggesting that the framing of migration is a strategic tool calibrated to align with evolving public opinion. The study contributes to the literature on populist party strategies and the systematic measurement of migration-related threats in contemporary European politics.