Intelligence services in the German state of Thuringia have issued a stark warning regarding the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, alleging deepening ties to Russia and increasingly complex connections to elements within the U.S. political landscape. Stephan Kramer, head of the Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution, told “Handelsblatt” that the AfD maintains “diverse contacts” with Russia, citing documented meetings between party parliamentarians and Russian government officials, alongside journeys to regions currently under Russian occupation, including Crimea and the Donbas.
Beyond mere contact, the intelligence agency highlighted a concerning convergence of messaging. Kramer stated that the AfD’s narratives frequently mirror the content propagated by Russian state media outlets, effectively functioning as a “relevant multiplier” for pro-Russian positions. He further noted the presence of allegations surrounding potential financial support from Russia, although concrete proof remains elusive.
The concerns extend beyond the Russian influence, revealing a growing entanglement of the AfD with circles associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Kramer indicated that the party is becoming increasingly integrated into networks linked to the right wing of the American Republican party. This includes participation in gatherings with conservative and ultraconservative think tanks, such as the European chapter of CPAC hosted in Hungary and engagement with Christian nationalist groups and figures associated with the alt-right movement.
Significant figures in this transatlantic alignment appear to be strategists and former Trump advisors like Steve Bannon, who Kramer identifies as maintaining close ties with European counterparts and offering “active consultation”. The involvement of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, reportedly providing direct campaign assistance and the public intervention of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who framed the AfD as a persecuted opposition force during the German federal election campaign, further underscore the party’s expanding international reach.
The revelations raise critical questions about the AfD’s independence and potential vulnerability to foreign influence, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. The extent to which these external actors are driving the party’s platform or merely exploiting existing predispositions remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny, but the Thuringian report paints a picture of a party increasingly intertwined in a complex web of international political maneuvering. The report’s findings are likely to fuel further debate regarding the AfD’s legitimacy and its role within German politics.
