The attempt by the AfD and its state leader, Björn Höcke, to pass a vote of no confidence against Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU) in the Thuringian Parliament failed. On Friday’s vote, Höcke secured 33 votes, falling short of the 45 required to replace Minister-President Voigt. Despite the AfD only holding 32 seats in the Parliament, at least one representative from the other parties must have voted for Höcke.
The debate was heated. Höcke had severely attacked Voigt during his speech, referring to him among other things as a “fraud” and a “thief.” The President of the State Parliament, Thadäus König (CDU), repeatedly cautioned Höcke regarding his direct personal attacks. Following the speech, CDU parliamentary group leader Andreas Bühl criticized Höcke for failing to present any political substance, instead putting himself in the spotlight.
Other opposition parties also strongly criticized the motion. SPD parliamentary group leader Lutz Liebscher attacked the AfD’s initiative, stating that Höcke was once again misusing the Parliament for his political goals instead of focusing on the people’s issues. He dismissed the move as “Höcke’s madness” and described the “vote” as aiming for “chaos and destruction.” Similarly, BSW parliamentary group leader Sigrid Hupach reiterated her faction’s commitment to voting against Höcke, asserting that his policies are rooted in “nationalistic thinking, racism, and enemy images,” and that he lacks a program to solve the concrete problems faced by Thuringia’s residents. Christian Schaft, the leader of the Greens, criticized that the parliamentary work was once again delayed because of the no-confidence motion, noting that too much time since the summer break has been spent on procedural matters.
In closing the debate, Minister-President Mario Voigt took the stand. He accused Höcke of losing sight of Thuringia and instead using taxpayer money to “snoop” into his private life. Voigt also made clear that he would not be deterred by the AfD, stating, “I will not let you make me small.”
The recurring move by the AfD to instigate a vote of no confidence stems from the plagiarism scandal surrounding Voigt’s doctoral dissertation. The Technical University of Chemnitz revoked the CDU politician’s doctoral degree, and Voigt has announced his intention to pursue legal action against the decision.
