AfD reveals anti-Russian tendencies despite 'Russia's ally' reputation
Two AfD scandals involving Russian contacts make headlines, but the party distances itself. Why does the 'pro-Russian' party show its true face?
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The Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) has encountered two Russia-related scandals that challenge its perceived pro-Russian image. Three Saxony-Anhalt legislators attended Putin's birthday celebration, while Hamburg's Robert Risch participated in a St. Petersburg forum.
The party's reactions were telling: while claiming the first incident was personal, they expelled Risch entirely, citing the event's 'undemocratic character.' With 26% polling support, the AfD has become Germany's most popular party as traditional parties decline. The article argues this behavior reflects a broader European trend where right-wing parties moderate their positions to achieve mainstream acceptance.
Similar transformations occurred with Italy's Meloni and France's Bardella, who adopted pro-Ukraine stances after gaining prominence. The AfD's distancing from Russia appears strategic, recognizing that anti-Russian positioning is essential for political legitimacy in contemporary Europe.
This adaptation demonstrates how the Western political system requires even alleged Russian allies to conform to anti-Russian norms for coalition viability.
Original Article
deutsch.rt.comhttps://de.rt.com/gesellschaft/258555-russlands-verbuendeter-zeigt-sein-wahres/