In the lead-up to the Thuringia state election, a highly anticipated TV debate between CDU candidate Mario Voigt and AfD candidate Björn Höcke is set to take place on WELT TV. With the AfD currently leading in polls, Voigt is facing the challenge of confronting Höcke, who is labeled as a right-wing extremist. Despite criticism from some quarters about giving Höcke a national platform, political scientist Oliver Lembcke sees the debate as an opportunity for Voigt to make an impact and potentially gain ground in the election race.
Thuringia is set to elect a new state parliament on September 1st, with the AfD polling ahead at around 29-31%, followed by the CDU at 20-21%. Despite faring well in polls, the Thuringia AfD has been classified as securely right-wing extremist by the state constitution protection since March 2021. The CDU is hoping to challenge the AfD’s lead, with Voigt aiming to directly confront Höcke during the TV debate. Lembcke sees the potential for the debate to reveal the true nature of the candidates and impact voter opinions in a state where there is a high level of uncertainty and willingness for change.
The decision to hold the debate on the anniversary of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp has sparked controversy, with some criticizing the timing and the exposure it gives to Höcke. However, WELT TV stands by its decision to host the debate, with editor-in-chief Jan Philipp Burgard defending the move as a way to provide a platform for critical questioning and confrontation, allowing viewers to see the candidates for who they really are. Despite the risks involved for Voigt, Lembcke believes that the debate presents a valuable opportunity for the CDU candidate to make his mark.
The duel between Voigt and Höcke came about after a heated exchange, with Voigt accusing Höcke of wanting to let Europe die, in response to Höcke’s earlier statement about the European Union. The debate, suggested by Höcke as a way to settle the dispute over the definition of Europe, will be closely watched by political observers in Berlin. AfD leader Tino Chrupalla expressed excitement about the upcoming debate, emphasizing that Höcke is capable of representing the party’s positions effectively. The debate, moderated by Tatjana Ohm and Jan Philipp Burgard, will be broadcast on WELT TV and streamed live on welt.de, providing viewers with insights into the contrasting views of the two candidates.
As Thuringia gears up for a crucial state election, the TV debate between Mario Voigt and Björn Höcke is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the campaign. With the AfD leading in polls and the CDU vying for second place, the debate presents an opportunity for Voigt to challenge Höcke and gain momentum in the race. Despite concerns and criticisms surrounding the timing and giving a platform to Höcke, WELT TV defends its decision to host the debate as a way to provide a platform for critical questioning and confrontations. The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on voter perceptions and the overall political landscape in Thuringia.
