# Björn Höcke

> German right-wing extremist politician

**Wikidata**: [Q18176756](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18176756)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Björn_Höcke)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bjorn-hocke

## Summary
Björn Höcke is a German far-right politician and parliamentary group leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Thuringian state parliament. Born on April 1, 1972, he is known for his extremist views and leadership within the AfD’s nationalist wing, Der Flügel. Höcke’s rhetoric and actions have made him a controversial figure in German politics.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 1, 1972  
- **Nationality**: German  
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Bonn, University of Giessen, and University of Marburg  
- **Known for**: Leading the AfD’s Thuringian parliamentary group; founding member of the Der Flügel faction  
- **Employer(s)**: Alternative for Germany (AfD), Thuringian state parliament  
- **Field(s)**: Politics, right-wing extremism  

## Contributions
- **Political Leadership**: Served as parliamentary group leader of the AfD in Thuringia, shaping the party’s far-right agenda.  
- **Der Flügel Faction**: Co-founded the nationalist wing of the AfD in 2015, promoting extremist ideologies within the party.  
- **Academic Background**: Worked as a teacher and holds degrees in history, law, and political science from German universities.  

## FAQs
### What political party is Björn Höcke affiliated with?  
Björn Höcke is a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), where he leads the party’s Thuringian parliamentary group and co-founded its nationalist faction, Der Flügel.  

### What is Björn Höcke’s educational background?  
Höcke studied at the University of Bonn, University of Giessen, and University of Marburg, earning qualifications in history, law, and political science. He also worked as a teacher.  

### Why is Björn Höcke controversial?  
Höcke has faced criticism for his far-right rhetoric, including statements downplaying Germany’s Nazi past and advocating for nationalist policies. His views have sparked debates about extremism in German politics.  

## Why They Matter  
Björn Höcke has significantly influenced the AfD’s shift toward far-right ideology, normalizing extremist discourse in German politics. His leadership in Thuringia and role in founding Der Flügel have solidified his position as a key figure in Germany’s right-wing movement, impacting national debates on immigration, identity, and historical memory.  

## Notable For  
- **Parliamentary Leadership**: Leads the AfD’s Thuringian state parliament group.  
- **Der Flügel Co-Founder**: Established the AfD’s nationalist wing, promoting far-right policies.  
- **Academic Credentials**: Holds degrees from the University of Bonn, University of Giessen, and University of Marburg.  
- **Controversial Rhetoric**: Known for provocative statements challenging Germany’s historical reckoning with Nazism.  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
Björn Höcke was born on April 1, 1972, in West Germany. He studied history, law, and political science at the University of Bonn, University of Giessen, and University of Marburg. Before entering politics, he worked as a teacher, reflecting his early career in education.  

### Career in Politics  
Höcke joined the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in 2013, shortly after its founding. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming the parliamentary group leader of the AfD in Thuringia in 2014. In 2015, he co-founded the Der Flügel faction, which pushed the party toward more extremist positions. His leadership has been marked by controversial policies, including opposition to immigration and criticism of Germany’s memorial culture related to the Holocaust.  

### Academic Career  
In addition to his political roles, Höcke has taught at schools in Hesse and Thuringia. His academic background in history and law has influenced his political rhetoric, which often frames German identity through a revisionist lens.  

### Political Positions and Controversies  
Höcke has advocated for restrictive immigration policies and criticized Germany’s approach to addressing its Nazi past. In 2017, he sparked outrage by calling for a “180-degree turn” in Germany’s memory culture, which many interpreted as downplaying the Holocaust. His statements have led to calls for his expulsion from the AfD, though he remains a key figure in the party’s far-right wing.  

### Affiliations and Memberships  
Höcke is affiliated with the Young Union (youth organization of the CDU/CSU) and has been a member of the AfD since its early days. His leadership in Der Flügel and the Thuringian AfD underscores his role in shaping the party’s nationalist agenda.  

### Public Perception and Legacy  
Höcke is widely regarded as one of the most polarizing figures in German politics. Critics accuse him of promoting xenophobia and historical revisionism, while supporters see him as a defender of German identity. His influence has contributed to the AfD’s electoral success in eastern Germany, particularly in Thuringia, where he has secured significant regional support.  

### Online Presence  
Höcke maintains a website (https://afd-bjoern-hoecke.de/) and social media profiles, using these platforms to disseminate his political views and engage with supporters. His digital activism has amplified his reach within far-right circles.  

### International Context  
While primarily active in German politics, Höcke’s rhetoric aligns with broader European far-right movements. His emphasis on nationalism and immigration restriction reflects trends seen in parties like France’s National Rally and Italy’s Lega.  

### Legal and Ethical Challenges  
Höcke has faced legal scrutiny for his statements, including accusations of incitement. In 2020, he was fined for violating public assembly laws during a protest. These incidents highlight the tensions between free speech and hate speech in German political discourse.  

### Cultural Impact  
Beyond politics, Höcke’s influence extends to cultural debates about German identity, history, and integration. His critiques of multiculturalism have resonated with some voters but alienated others, deepening societal divisions.  

### Economic and Social Policies  
Höcke advocates for conservative economic policies, emphasizing national sovereignty and skepticism of EU integration. His social policies focus on traditional family values and opposition to progressive movements, further polarizing public opinion.  

### Legacy  
Björn Höcke’s legacy remains contentious. To his supporters, he is a champion of national pride; to critics, a symbol of resurgent far-right extremism. His impact on the AfD’s trajectory and German political discourse ensures his role will be debated for years to come.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2024/05/15/en-allemagne-la-justice-inflige-deux-coups-durs-successifs-a-l-afd_6233398_3210.html)
2. [Parlamentsdokumentation](http://www.parldok.thueringen.de)
3. [Björn Höcke. abgeordnetenwatch](https://www.abgeordnetenwatch.de/profile/bjorn-hocke)
4. [Source](https://www.p-stadtkultur.de/bjoern-hoecke-war-mein-geschichtslehrer/)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Source
7. Munzinger Personen
8. [Source](https://www.rosalux.de/fileadmin/ls_thueringen/dokumente/publikationen/RLS-HeftMissionHoecke-Feb16.pdf)
9. [Source](http://www.bundestag.de/blob/490834/00e8cd433765c0b6e5fac81b56d4a5d5/mitglieder_bv-data.pdf)
10. [Source](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/hoecke-urteil-geldstrafe-100.html)
11. [Deutsche Politik auf Tik Tok](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13yIKz_RdUe1IAExjJKiPlgzkD-T0ZXRbEnU2nIkDJFU)
12. FactGrid
13. YouTube API