Höcke: AfD winner, but viewed as a loser in their own constituency

Höcke: AfD winner, but viewed as a loser in their own constituency

in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, the head of the AfD head of state, ensures conversation - but not always in a positive sense. Despite his party's election victory, Höcke is faced with a growing aversion, especially in his own constituency Greiz. While about a third of Thuringian citizens support the AfD, many do not seem to suffer the 51-year-old well. Personal conversations are often waved off, even by those who describe themselves as AfD sympathizers: "I choose the AfD, but not the Höcke," is a frequently answered sentence.

This aversion not only has to do with political views. Höcke suffered a significant setback in the last elections compared to his competitor from the CDU, Christian Tischner. Tischner was able to combine more voices, which also weakens Höcke's position. It is interesting that this constituency change was described as a "election tactical", since Höcke had seen even fewer chances in his original constituency in the Eichsfeld.

The personal style of Höcke

The political scientist Johannes Hillje emphasizes that Höcke's personality and appearance play a role in his unpopularity. Many AfD voters do not see themselves as right -wing extremist and have a stranger with Höcke, who often presents himself as elitist. While other politicians like Tino Chrupalla stage herself as a "man from the people", Höcke gives a different impression. It is often perceived as the "Messiah", which ensures some of the rejection.

In addition, Höcke has developed a person cult in recent years and has been a "rescuer of the German people". His way of speaking is described as cumbersome and overloaded, which is also not well received everywhere. "He is elitist," says Hillje, and many people who defend themselves against such structures could distance themselves from him.

media appearances and future prospects

Just his appearances on television during the election campaign were able to harm Höcke. He often looked nervous and awkward, which impaired the public perception of his person. Hillje observes that Höcke looked weak in the TV duels and leads to his reputation within the party. Nevertheless, there are voices that think that his position as head of state is strengthened in a state election by the first election victory of the AfD, even if the pressure increases noticeably from your own ranks.

Another topic that is repeatedly thrown into the room is the possibility that Höcke could switch to the Bundestag. Hillje considers these rumors to be very likely, at least as long as Höcke does not have the opportunity to take over the parliamentary group chair. Nevertheless, it is clear that Höcke is planning his political career in the long term and is waiting for the best time to switch to federal politics.

In summary, it can be said that Höcke has to fight with inner conflicts and a fluctuating image despite the election sequence. While his influence in Thuringia remains solid, the feedback from the electorate shows that his way of communicating and his political image is not always broad. The coming months should be decisive for his further career.

Kommentare (0)