In a heated exchange, CDU leader Mario Voigt and AfD right-winger Björn Höcke engaged in a televised debate on the German economy and its future in Europe. The two top candidates for the September state elections in Thuringia accused each other of damaging Germany and its economic well-being, while also launching personal attacks against one another.
The TV duel was a result of a dispute on social media regarding European policy, with moderators Jan Philipp Burgard and Tatjana Ohm facilitating the discussion. Voigt warned that dismantling the European Union would be disastrous for Germany, while Höcke advocated for Germany to leave the EU and form an alliance of European states.
The debate touched on various issues such as migration policy, culture of remembrance, and economic conditions. Voigt emphasized the need to eliminate illegal migration, while Höcke used vague language regarding “remigration” of German emigrants to the country. The discussion also highlighted Höcke’s use of controversial language, including his defense of using Nazi slogans like “Everything for Germany.”
The TV duel was met with controversy due to its timing on the anniversary of Buchenwald concentration camp liberation and providing a platform for Höcke, who is considered a right-wing extremist. The upcoming elections in Thuringia add significance to the outcome of the debate as Voigt and Höcke are top candidates for their respective parties. While current Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow is seeking re-election, surveys show AfD leading closely behind CDU.
