AfD’s Election Strategy
The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has decided to capitalise on the recent attack in Solingen, which has been blamed on the terrorist organisation Islamic State. As regional elections in Thuringia and Saxony approach, the AfD is using the tragic event as part of its electoral narrative, launching the provocative slogan ‘Höcke or Solingen’. This slogan combines the surname of its candidate, Björn Höcke, with the town of the attack, thus seeking to establish a connection between insecurity and its political proposal.
Responsibility and the Message of Höcke
Björn Höcke, a well-known radical leader within the AfD, has used social media to point the finger at other German parties for the attack. In a video entitled “Höcke or Solingen,” he argues that such attacks would be impossible under an AfD government, promising a halt to mass immigration and a strengthening of security. With around 30% of voting intentions in Thuringia, the AfD is positioned as a leading contender, although its inclusion in a future regional government seems unlikely given the refusal of democratic parties to form an alliance with it.
The Political Context in Thuringia and Saxony
In Thuringia, the current government is a three-party coalition led by the Left Party, together with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens. Meanwhile, Saxony is governed by a similar alliance led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), also in collaboration with the SPD and the Greens. Although the coalition in Saxony seems to have a better chance of maintaining its majority, the situation in Thuringia is perceived as more complex.
The Arrest of the Suspect
The suspected perpetrator of the attack, identified as Issa Al H., has been imprisoned following the decision of the investigating judge of the German Federal Court. Accused of multiple murders and membership of a terrorist organisation, Al H. shares the radical ideology of the Islamic State. The authorities have revealed that his aim was to carry out a massive attack against what he considers infidels.
The Origin of the Attacker and his Career
Al H. is originally from Deir ez-Zor, a Syrian city that was under the control of the Islamic State until 2017. Despite having arrived in Germany in 2022 and having a deportation order to Bulgaria, where he was to process his asylum application, he managed to evade the German authorities and obtained a temporary residence permit.
Final Reflections
This tragic event and the political response it has generated underscore the complexity of the electoral landscape in Germany. As the elections approach, the instrumentalisation of violence by radical parties raises questions about political stability and security in the country, as well as about how societies deal with extremism and polarisation.
