According to expert
TV duel could lead CDU into a dilemma – and use Höcke
Even though the AfD around Björn Höcke in Thuringia has already achieved 36 percent in some surveys, it is considered unlikely that it will come into government responsibility. photo
© Martin Schutt/dpa
According to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Björn Höcke (AfD) is a right-wing extremist. Five months before the state elections, the Thuringian CDU top candidate Mario Voigt is entering into a duel with him. A good idea?
Thuringia’s CDU top candidate Mario Voigt wants AfD right wing Björn Höcke in a TV duel. According to Jena communications scientist Tobias Rothmund, this poses greater risks for the CDU than for the AfD. “It primarily benefits Björn Höcke because this type of duel puts him in the role of a serious political opponent with whom you share the stage,” Rothmund told the dpa in Erfurt.
Mario Voigt perhaps hopes that he will become better known. “It’s difficult to estimate how much this will help him, it certainly depends on his performance and the assessment of the conversation afterwards.” Rothmund is director at the Center for Right-Wing Extremism Research, Democracy Education and Social Integration and professor of communication and media psychology at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
The duel is scheduled for April 11th. A new state parliament will be elected in Thuringia on September 1st. The AfD, which is classified by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution as definitely right-wing extremist in the Free State, has mostly been above the 30 percent mark in recent surveys and is therefore in first place. The CDU followed behind. Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow’s left still wants to catch up, but is also weakening because of the founding of the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance, which also wants to run for state elections. The political situation in Thuringia has been considered extremely complicated for years – surveys do not show any politically feasible majorities. Ramelow has led the country with a minority government since 2020.
Chances of success of the TV duel
Voigt had repeatedly emphasized that he wanted to question Höcke’s content in the TV duel and to work out what effects his European policy ideas would have for craftsmen and companies. But Rothmund sees major risks – especially on the CDU side. “I see the danger that a dilemma arises in such a conversation: On the one hand, Voigt wants to win over the people that the AfD appeals to – also with the relevant topics. On the other hand, he wants to distance himself from the AfD .”
Höcke could reveal this dilemma. “He could put Voigt in a situation where he either has to admit that the AfD is the only party that credibly represents a certain position, or he has to agree with the AfD. Both options would be rather disadvantageous for the CDU,” said the expert.
The idea for the TV duel between Voigt and Höcke was developed from an argument between the two on X (formerly Twitter). Voigt said in an interview that Höcke wanted to let Europe die, whereupon he threatened to sue for an injunction. Later, Höcke suggested a discussion on the concept of Europe instead of an injunction – Voigt agreed.
TV duel instead of Triell
Communications expert Rothmund said it was striking that the incumbent Prime Minister was not present at the discussion. “That’s surprising. It could have been a Triell.” Finally, Bodo Ramelow is running again and his left is at least within striking distance of the other parties. “I think it’s an unwise move by the CDU. Their position would be much stronger in such a three-way constellation,” said Rothmund. The CDU could then have made itself more visible as a centrist party and in contrast to the other two.
According to Rothmund, Höcke’s aim in the conversation could be to appear statesmanlike. “That he gives the impression that he can have the premiership, that he is suitable for it. That’s what his electorate wants to see.” He doesn’t think Höcke wants to make a substantive argument. “He’s probably just trying to give an impression – that he’s on the same level as Voigt and is equally capable of leading the country.”
Strategy against the right
Even though the AfD in Thuringia has already achieved 36 percent in some surveys, it is considered unlikely that it will come into government responsibility. None of the other parties represented in the state parliament want to form a coalition with the AfD and there would still be a long way to go to achieve an absolute majority. Legal proceedings are underway against Höcke on suspicion of incitement to hatred and suspicion of using the symbols of unconstitutional organizations – charges have been brought in both cases.
Rothmund considers it a “daring goal” to want to question Höcke’s content. Right-wing populists cleverly jump back and forth in their positions in such a way that it is difficult to present them in an argumentative manner. “It may be that there is a lie involved, that you switch to a different topic or that some details are generalized,” says Rothmund. He is curious to see whether Voigt has any special strategies to expose Höcke. “I haven’t often seen journalists or politicians able to present arguments to right-wing populists.”