A prominent figure in Germany’s far-right political scene is facing trial over allegations of using a Nazi slogan.
Björn Höcke, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Thuringia, stands accused of uttering the phrase “Everything for Germany!” during a rally in 2021.
The slogan carries historical connotations linked to the SA stormtroopers, a paramilitary organization instrumental in the ascent of the Nazi regime.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Far-Right Leader’s Trial
A former history teacher turned far-right politician, Mr. Höcke, is currently standing trial over accusations of using a Nazi slogan, which he vehemently denies knowing the roots of.
Facing a potential three-year prison sentence, he finds himself at the center of a legal battle.
The alleged incident occurred during a campaign event in Saxony-Anhalt in May 2021, where Mr. Höcke concluded his speech with the controversial phrase, “Everything for our homeland, everything for Saxony-Anhalt, everything for Germany!”
Prosecutors argue that he was aware of the slogan’s association with the Nazi Sturmabteilung (SA), but Mr. Höcke defends it as a “common saying” not deserving of criminalization.
Despite calls to try him for multiple incidents involving the phrase, the court has chosen to focus solely on the 2021 rally. The verdict is anticipated next month, while the German press has highlighted the historical usage of the slogan by prominent Nazis.
Outside the courtroom, protesters have gathered, denouncing the AfD and branding Mr. Höcke as a Nazi. However, he remained silent on the charges during the trial’s first day.
Meanwhile, Mr. Höcke’s party leads in the polls in Thuringia, where elections are scheduled later this year. Nonetheless, forming a state government may prove challenging given the need for allies.
Notably, Mr. Höcke has previously sparked controversy by criticizing the Holocaust memorial in Berlin, advocating for a drastic shift in Germany’s approach to commemorating the genocide.
