Leon Walter: The left in the shadow of Höcke in the Thuringia election

Leon Walter: The left in the shadow of Höcke in the Thuringia election

In the Thuringian city of Greiz, the election campaign is becoming increasingly intensive, and not only because of the upcoming state election, but also because of the explosive political situation. Here the 22-year-old Leon Walter competes for the left and faces an unusual opponent: Björn Höcke, the chairman of the AfD. Höcke made his constituency of the constituency in Greiz, and for Walter, who also fights for voices in his hometown, has changed a lot.

The presence of Höcke in Greiz is not only a conventional political challenge, but has already led to right -wing extremist attacks. Walter reports that he was persecuted by a group of around fifteen people during an attack on his constituency office. "They roared: Leon, we get you," says Walter and describes the horrors that he and his party colleagues had to experience.

escalation of political tensions

Leon Walter is now the goal for right -wing extremist circles. With every suspended poster, he sees the comparison with the AfD. His stays in the election campaign are now always accompanied by a queasy feeling. "I no longer leave the house without a pepper spray," he says, making it clear how the situation in its area has tightened.

The AfD campaign strategy seems to have an effect. Höcke made his voting decision in favor of GRIZT to mobilize more direct votes. Walter, on the other hand, is one of the few who oppose the pressure deep in the political landscape. "My parents are afraid. They tell me very clearly," Walter points out the worries in the private environment. Nevertheless, he does not want to pinch and remains determined to work for his beliefs.

background to the right -wing extremist activities

The right -wing extremist scene in East Thuringia, which also includes Greiz, has been active for years and has been experiencing more influx for some time. For Walter, it is incomprehensible that such an idyllic city as Greiz, with its charming old town and the history pregnant heritage, can also be a center for such currents. "Once thousands worked here in the textile sector, but the turn brought many layoffs," he says and wonders how the circumstances could really lead to radicalization.

The observation is particularly frightening that some known people from the neo-Nazi scene have mixed in the attack on Walter and his comrades. Below is a right -wing extremist activist, the symbolism and activities of which throw a stressful shadow over the city for many. Walter assesses the situation as alarming and emphasizes how important it is to fight against these ideologies.

The pressure in the election campaign increases significantly. Walter emphasizes that he cannot convince with election posters and public appearances. Instead, he relies on direct discussions with the citizens, be it on the garden fence or when shopping. "It's about hearing people's problems and offering them help," he explains while trying to convey an authentic picture of his political intentions.

The concerns of the citizens are tangible. An older lady who meets Walter on his tour expresses her frustration about old-age provision and inequalities in the wages between East and West Germany. As a worker in the textile industry, she herself worked hard for many years and feels abandoned by the system. Walter signaled that he is ready to take up these topics in politics.

determination with a touch of doubt

The feeling of uncertainty that Walter always accompanies also testifies to the difficult situation in which he is located. Despite the threats and the concern, which exists both in his family and his friends, he remains steadfast. "I see myself not only as a politician, but also as an ambassador for an idea," says Walter, and this conviction gives him strength to face the challenges.

political history of Thuringia

Thuringia has a complex political history that was largely shaped by the political upheavals of the 20th century. Before the reunification of Germany, Thuringia was part of the GDR, where the Socialist Unity Party in Germany (SED) was in power. After the turn of 1989, the state experienced a variety of political changes, with reunification in 1990 also enabling new parties to be founded. Especially the PDS, the successor party of the SED, achieved great influence here in the early 21st century.

Current social challenges

The social tensions in Thuringia are reflected in a variety of social challenges. An important problem is the emigration of young people from rural areas that can promote the increase in right -wing extremist ideas. In addition, many people in the region are fighting with the economic consequences of structural change, e.g. by closing factories and the loss of jobs that used in the 1990s after the turn.

These developments lead to a feeling of uncertainty used by right -wing populist actors. The campaigns are often shaped by emotional issues that address the fears of the population and offer populist answers to complex social issues. Leon Walter tries to meet this pointed conflict through direct conversations with the citizens, whereby he places the concerns of the people at the center of his election campaign.

social reactions and commitment

The movement of young politicians who are committed to the rise of right -wing extremists learns increasing support. Organizations such as the "Initiative against Right Violence" and local groups are committed to strong democratic civil society to counteract radicalization. These initiatives often carry out events to raise awareness of the dangers of right -wing extremism and to show solidarity with affected groups.

In addition, there are numerous workshops and training offers that are aimed at young people to sensitize them to democratic values and extremist ideologies. Such programs aim to promote social cohesion and to develop awareness of the importance of diversity and tolerance.

statistics on the political mood in Thuringia

Current surveys show that the AfD in Thuringia has an important electorate. According to a survey by the opinion research institute Infratest dimap in August 2024, the AfD received 25 percent of the votes in Thuringia, while the left came to around 20 percent. These statistical data illustrate the large gap in the political perception of the citizens, which is also due to economic uncertainties and social tensions.

A trend towards polarizing the electorate in East Germany is observed from various sources. Studies show that confidence in state institutions and the political parties in these regions is lower than in western Germany, which underlines the relevance of the elections and the candidacies of people like Björn Höcke.