Highlights: Two months before the European elections, a case of Russian funding of far-right political leaders is embarrassing the movements concerned. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) leadership is awaiting explanations from the two heads of the party's list. The two men are known for their proximity to Moscow, which some, even within the AfD, consider too far-reaching. Audio recordings would confirm the payment of money of Russian origin to Petr Bystron, now a member of the Bundestag. The Prague government took sanctions last week against the operators of the Voice of Europe site.

Two months before the European elections, a case of Russian funding of far-right politicians via an information platform based in the Czech Republic is embarrassing…

Germany: the AfD embarrassed by a matter of Russian financing before the European elections

Two months before the European elections, a case of Russian funding of far-right political leaders via an information platform based in the Czech Republic is embarrassing the movements concerned. Among them, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), two of whose leaders will have to explain themselves to their management. Already, a lifting of their parliamentary immunity is being demanded by their political adversaries.

Per Bystron and Maximilian Krah are known for their proximity to Moscow, which some within the AfD itself consider too strong. Here, Maximilian Krah, July 29, 2023. © Carsten Koall / dpa via AP

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Berlin

Pascal Thibaut

The AfD leadership

awaiting explanations from the two heads of the far-right party's list for the European elections. Maximilian Krah and Petr Bystron's summary statements about a smear campaign against them might be a little short. Audio recordings would confirm the payment of money of Russian origin to Petr Bystron, now a member of the Bundestag. This is what the Czech platform Denik N reports.

The Prague government took sanctions last week against the operators of the Voice of Europe site, accused of promoting the interests of Moscow. A pro-Russian oligarch of Ukrainian origin, Viktor Medvedtchouk, is in the crosshairs of the investigation. This research suggests payments of money to far-right leaders in various European countries including Germany, France and Poland.

Petr Bystron and Maximilian Krah have given interviews in the past to Voice of Europe. The two men are known for their proximity to Moscow, which some, even within the AfD, consider too far-reaching. Maximilian Krah celebrated his 43rd birthday alongside oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk three years ago. The matter is at its worst for the AfD two months before the European elections.

Germany: the AfD embarrassed by a matter of Russian financing before the European elections

Germany: the AfD embarrassed by a matter of Russian financing before the European elections

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