Factions of the three parties The coalition government of Germany initiated a special meeting of the country's parliament, at which information from the Czech media was discussed. First of all, it was about the main candidate of the “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) for the elections to the European Parliament Maximilian Kra, as well as the second candidate on the party list Petre Bystrone.
Both right-wing populist politicians were interviewed by the Voice of Europe platform, whose legal entity of the same name was sanctioned by the Czech government in March on suspicion of influence operations in the interests of the Kremlin. According to the newspaper Denik N, Bystron apparently received money for this from a pro-Russian network, Radio Liberty reports.
Deputies of all other factions of the Bundestag blamed the AfD for “closeness to Russia and betrayal of German interests.” An expert on internal affairs of the CDU faction, Christoph de Vries, said that many AfD deputies are in the service of Russia, both for money and without payment. The deputy emphasized that in their person“Putin found useful idiots and performers in Germany.”.
Bystron was not present at the meeting. Many speakers emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence, but pointed to the fundamental closeness of the AfD to Russia. Vice-chairman of the SPD faction Dirk Wiese called on the AfD to use the meeting to explain why Petr Bystron traveled to Belarus. The AfD deputy traveled to this country, although he officially announced his visit to Lithuania.
Wiese emphasized that AfD politicians are constantly present as observers at elections in countries where members of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) are not allowed. The MP told the AfD politicians present:"You were democratically elected, but you are not democratic. You – mouthpiece of dictatorships.”.
The vice-chairman of the parliamentary faction, Stefan Keuter, spoke on behalf of the AfD, calling Bystron's accusations a “witch hunt.” According to him, Bystron was not involved in anything. SPD MP Maja Wallstein, in turn, reminded Keuther of the photographs of Hitler zigging, which he distributed via the WhatsApp messenger.
Other MPs blamed the AfD for participating in Russian disinformation campaigns. FDP home affairs expert Konstantin Kuhle expressed concern that Russia's systematic attempts to undermine democracy in Germany are not being taken seriously enough. He called the cases of Kra and Bystron only the “tip of the iceberg”, since the AfD cooperates closely with the Kremlin.
Prepared by: Sergei Daga