A senior German conservative politician has accused the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party of acting as a “mouthpiece” for the Kremlin and helping Russia deepen divisions within German society.
Jens Spahn, who leads the parliamentary group of the co-governing Christian Democrats, delivered the criticism during a tense Bundestag session, sharply condemning the AfD’s stance on Russia and its opposition to Germany’s military support for Ukraine. He argued that the party’s foreign policy positions closely align with Kremlin messaging.
Directing his remarks at AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, Spahn accused her party of serving Russian interests, stating that their political line reflected manipulation by Moscow. He described their support for Russian positions during wartime as more than political disagreement, calling it a betrayal of national interests.
Spahn also claimed that the AfD’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin amounted to damaging behavior that undermines Germany’s unity and security.
In response, Weidel criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government for its extensive financial and military assistance to Ukraine. She argued that such aid prolongs the conflict and accused the administration of pushing Germany closer to war.
Weidel further reiterated the AfD’s opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union and NATO, maintaining the party’s critical stance on Western military involvement in the conflict.
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