Höcke signals ambition to steer federal AfD through confidant Möller's deputy bid ahead of Erfurt congress
Thuringia's far-right AfD leader Björn Höcke says his close ally Stefan Möller would act as his conduit in the party's federal board if elected deputy at the July congress in Erfurt.
Ahead of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party conference in Erfurt at the first weekend of July, Thuringian state leader Björn Höcke has openly declared his intention to extend his influence into the national leadership. His vehicle is Stefan Möller, co-state spokesperson and Bundestag member, who is standing for deputy federal spokesperson. Höcke told the German Press Agency that with Möller on the federal board he would have someone with whom he is in constant contact: "I am connected without having to do the work myself. And I can continue to concentrate on the Thuringian path here."
A duo moving upward
Möller and Höcke have led the Thuringian AfD together since 2014. Höcke said the candidate wants to "enforce the Thuringian line in the federal executive", which he defined as loyalty to the party's principles and corrections "in the fight against the Office for the Protection of the Constitution". The Thuringian branch is classified and monitored by the state domestic intelligence agency as confirmed right-wing extremist.
If Stefan Möller is on the federal board, then I have someone with whom I am in the closest exchange, I am connected without having to do the work myself.
A controversial venue and expected protests
The choice of Erfurt has drawn criticism. Former Thuringian minister-president Bodo Ramelow of the Left Party remarked that the AfD appeared to be "rolling out the red carpet" for Höcke, and noted it was unusual for a party to hold its federal congress in a state without a simultaneous state election. Organisers anticipate tens of thousands of demonstrators.
Höcke's legal and political backdrop
Höcke has been twice convicted by the Halle Regional Court for using a banned SA slogan and carries a criminal record. He remains the figurehead of the party's far-right flank and reiterated his personal strategic goal of becoming Thuringia's minister-president. Regarding the domestic intelligence service, he demanded a politically neutral agency focused solely on violent extremism, insisting on "showing a clear edge and not letting ourselves be pushed onto the defensive."
The federal board election will see co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla standing for re-election, widely expected to be confirmed. Möller's candidacy signals that the party's radical eastern wing intends to secure a formal seat at the top table.
