Germany’s AfD fractures over Putin ties as leadership clashes escalate
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, currently leading in polls, finds itself in disarray over its stance towards Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. Party co-leader Alice Weidel opposes a planned trip by AfD lawmaker Rainer Rothfuss to meet former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, while her co-leader Tino Chrupalla advocates for dialogue with Putin, despite his status as a dictator. This disagreement has sparked internal turmoil and drawn criticism from external sources.
Claudia Kade, political editor of Germany's taz newspaper, observes that the party leadership is at odds over their stance on Putin. While Weidel wants Putin to make concessions, Chrupalla believes in maintaining dialogue, even if it means engaging with an autocratic regime. This division reflects the AfD's broader struggle to decide whether to align with the East or West and how to handle autocrats.
The AfD's internal strife has been exacerbated by Chrupalla's comparison of the party's treatment to that of Russia's opposition. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition figure, criticized this comparison, calling it an insult. Meanwhile, establishment parties are attempting to portray the AfD as involved in espionage, further fueling the party's infighting.
AfD lawmakers in state parliaments have raised suspicions by asking authorities about sensitive security matters, seemingly in line with a Kremlin wish list. Adding to the confusion, AfD's defense policy spokesman Rüdiger Lucassen contradicts Chrupalla's views on Russia's willingness for peace. The likely outcome of this internal power struggle remains uncertain, with Weidel trying to consolidate control and rebellious members like Matthias Moosdorf opposing her line.
The AfD's leadership crisis, sparked by differing views on Russia and Putin, threatens to undermine the party's position as the strongest party in Germany. As the party grapples with internal divisions and external accusations, its ability to present a united front on key issues remains in question. The outcome of this power struggle will likely shape the AfD's future and its relationship with Russia.
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