welt.de
Höcke's AfD Rally: Anti-American, Pro-Russian Stance Ahead of German Elections
At the Thuringian AfD's state convention on March 4th, 2023, Björn Höcke delivered a 45-minute speech, falsely claiming that CDU's plans to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles would lead to war with Russia. He promoted the idea of a Eurasian economic community from Lisbon to Vladivostok, echoing Russian nationalist narratives and anti-American sentiments while adopting a resolution questioning German sovereignty.
- How does Höcke's historical narrative connect to the AfD's current political strategy?
- Höcke's speech framed the upcoming election as a referendum on war and peace, positioning the AfD as the only party opposed to conflict with Russia. He invoked historical narratives about the Cold War and the alleged American drive to establish a new colonial empire, connecting these narratives to his party's advocacy for a Eurasian economic community.
- What specific claims did Björn Höcke make during his speech, and what are their implications for the upcoming German federal election?
- At their state party convention on March 4th, 2023, over 300 members of the Thuringian AfD rallied around Björn Höcke, their party leader. Höcke delivered a 45-minute keynote address focusing on the upcoming Bundestag elections and criticizing the CDU's stance on supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. He falsely claimed that such a move would inevitably lead to German soldiers attacking Moscow.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the AfD's anti-American, pro-Russian stance, and how might it impact Germany's foreign policy?
- Höcke's rhetoric, which includes a newly adopted resolution echoing narratives used by Reichsbürger, reveals a concerted effort to undermine Germany's sovereignty and position Russia as an alternative to a perceived American hegemony. This strategy aligns with the AfD's broader aim to gain power, capitalizing on widespread anxieties about international relations and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Höcke's speech and the AfD's position in a way that emphasizes their anti-American and pro-Russia stance. While it reports on the claims made by Höcke, it does so without sufficient counter-argument or context that would challenge the narratives presented. The placement of quotes and the structure of the article lend more weight to Höcke's statements than might be warranted by a purely neutral perspective. The headline itself might also be considered framing bias, depending on the full headline.
Language Bias
The article uses neutral language in reporting Höcke's statements. However, the repeated use of phrases such as "völkisch-nationalistische Parteiströmung" and "gesichert rechtsextremistische Bestrebung" directly characterizes the AfD and its ideology with strong negative connotations. While accurate, the lack of alternative descriptions or more neutral phrasing adds to a negatively loaded portrayal.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the crucial detail that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a violation of international law. This omission is significant because it presents a biased perspective by failing to acknowledge the aggressor in the conflict. The article also omits details about the nature of the 'Erfurter Resolution' beyond stating it was the founding document of the 'Der Flügel' movement, leaving readers without a comprehensive understanding of its content and implications.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice between supporting the CDU and supporting the AfD as a choice between war and peace. This oversimplifies the complexities of the geopolitical situation and ignores the various nuanced positions within the CDU and other parties regarding support for Ukraine.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights Björn Höcke's speech at the AfD party congress, where he promotes narratives that undermine peace and international cooperation. His claims about Merz wanting to send rockets to Moscow and his characterization of the US as a colonial power contribute to a climate of hostility and distrust, hindering efforts towards peaceful conflict resolution and international stability. The AfD's resolution, omitting Russia's culpability in the Ukraine conflict and echoing 'Reichsbürger' narratives about German sovereignty, further fuels instability and undermines established international norms and institutions.