Björn Höcke Bows Out of Thuringia's Election Campaign Showdown
Björn Höcke, the AfD's frontrunner in Thuringia's upcoming state election, has decided to skip the televised debates, first citing unspecified private reasons and then health concerns. The moves have left spectators puzzled and analysts speculating on potential reasons behind Höcke's election withdrawal, as the AfD party continues to lead polls ahead of the election set for Sunday.
Höcke Backtracks on Debate Cancellation, Then Pulls Out for Good
His spokesperson initially reported Höcke's withdrawal from the live shows on ntv and "Antenne Thuringia" on Monday, citing "private reasons." However, when the broadcasters asked for further clarification, Höcke decided against elaborating and retracted his cancellation two days later. Yet, the leader's health woes persisted, prompting him to announce another definitive withdrawal less than a week later, with Stefan Möller taking over his spot.
Poor Performance or Public Relations Concerns?
Despite his health issues, Höcke signaled his intention to attend a local charity's "hugging event," a chance to connect with voters on a more personal level. However, his recent bout of health troubles forced him to cancel his appearance at the event as well. Some observers suggest that Höcke, mindful of the AfD's consistently high polling numbers for weeks, may be steering clear of any potential mishaps that could jeopardize his party's chances before the election closes.
Controversies and Cancellations: A History of Political Turmoil
Höcke's election withdrawal may be linked to his controversial past, which includes provocative comments and affiliations. Most notably, he faced criticism for invoking the Nazi-era "Alles für Deutschland" ("Everything for Germany") slogan, which is illegal in Germany under insignia legislation, earning him charges and a conviction. The BfV has also kept Höcke's faction under special surveillance for their extremist activities and links to neo-Nazis, while petitions have called for his expulsion from the AfD and German politics entirely.
Read also:
Sources:
[1] Verfassungsantwort, "[Höcke-Fraktion] (2023)." [2] WDR, "(2021): 'Flügel' aufrechterhalten?" [3] Bild, "". [4] Spiegel, "" [5] The Local, ""
