Björn Höcke - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Björn Höcke is a German politician and member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He is known for his controversial statements on immigration, multiculturalism, and German history.
- 2. Höcke was born on April 1, 1972, in Lünen, West Germany. He studied history and sports science at the University of Marburg and later worked as a teacher before entering politics.
- 3. Höcke first gained national attention in 2015 when he made a speech in which he criticized Germany's culture of remembrance of the Holocaust and called for a "180-degree turn" in the country's attitude towards its past.
- 4. In 2017, Höcke was elected as a member of the Thuringian state parliament and became the leader of the AfD in the state. He has been described as one of the most prominent figures in the party's right-wing faction.
- 5. Höcke has been accused of promoting xenophobia and nationalism through his speeches and social media posts. He has called for a stop to all immigration into Germany and has expressed admiration for the policies of the Third Reich.
- 6. In 2019, Höcke was fined by a German court for calling the Berlin Holocaust Memorial a "monument of shame" in a speech. The court ruled that his comments violated the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
- 7. Höcke has also faced criticism for his views on gender equality and LGBT rights. He has opposed same-sex marriage and has called for a return to traditional gender roles in society.
- 8. Despite his controversial views, Höcke remains a popular figure within the AfD and has a dedicated following among right-wing nationalists in Germany.
- 9. In the 2021 German federal election, Höcke ran as a candidate for the AfD in Thuringia. However, the party failed to gain enough votes to enter the Bundestag.
- 10. Höcke continues to be an influential figure in the AfD and is seen as a key player in the party's efforts to shift German politics further to the right. His views and statements continue to spark debate and controversy in Germany.