- "Sudden Break from Campaign": Höcke's surprising withdrawal from Thuringian AfD campaign
Thuringian AfD frontrunner Björn Höcke has momentarily stepped away from the election fray, citing "personal health concerns," without providing further details. The Thuringian state vote is set for this Sunday, and the AfD, along with Höcke's influence, are polling strongly.
Höcke also opted out of the final multi-candidate debate, citing health reasons for his absence. The debate, set to air live on Wednesday at 5 p.m., is being co-hosted by Antenne Thuringia and ntv. "Regrettably, Mr. Höcke's health prevents him from participating," a representative stated. "He requires time to recover."
Monday's withdrawal attempt and subsequent cancellations
The withdrawal attempt on Monday, three months after the scheduled debate, was initially attributed to "personal matters." However, after being pressed for more information, Höcke appeared to reconsider and confirmed his participation, apologizing to ntv and Antenne Thuringia.
By Wednesday morning, a final cancellation was announced, and Stefan Möller, co-state chairman of the AfD in Thuringia, would take the stage in Höcke's place. Busy television viewers can catch the debate later on stern.de.
Analysts speculate that Höcke's poor showing in previous TV sessions may have influenced his decision to cancel. Reports suggest that he appeared nervous and less charming in these appearances, potentially prompting him to minimize any potential risks before the election.
Thuringian AfD's polling average remains steady at approximately 30%
Despite Höcke's health issues, the AfD has named Stefan Möller as their primary representative, replacing Höcke in the live TV debate. The AfD, led by Höcke, continues to poll strongly, maintaining a steady average of around 30% for several weeks.
Höcke is set to appear at a rally in Nordhausen on Thursday afternoon. According to a party representative, the plans remain unchanged, as reported by stern.
Additional Insights:
Björn Höcke, a leader in the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Thuringia, has faced multiple controversies and legal issues that have led to his unexpected cancellations from interviews and debates during the Thuringian state election campaign. Here are the main challenges:
- Legal Proceedings and Convictions:
- Nazi Slogan Use: Höcke was charged after using the Nazi slogan "Alles für Deutschland" in May 2021 speech, a punishable offense. After his conviction in May 2024, he was fined €13,000.
- Repeated Offenses: Höcke repeated the use of the same Nazi slogan in July 2024, resulting in a fine.
- Parliamentary Immunity Cancellation:
- Due to allegations of using the illegal Nazi slogan, Höcke's parliamentary immunity in the Landtag of Thuringia was revoked in November 2021.
- Indictment:
- Höcke was officially indicted in June 2023, adding to his legal challenges.
- Petition for Ineligibility:
- A petition calling for Höcke's ineligibility to run for parliament, based on article 18 of the German Constitution, was initiated in 2023 and is still active.
- Controversial Statements and Actions:
- In a 2017 speech in Dresden, Höcke referred to the Holocaust memorial as a "monument of shame", drawing widespread criticism as antisemitic.
- In 2020, Höcke was criticized for his language in attacking critics, with his rhetoric closely resembling Nazi language.
These ongoing legal issues and controversies have likely contributed to Höcke's cancellations from interviews and debates during the Thuringian state election campaign.
