The German Green Party is raising serious concerns regarding the increasingly frequent transatlantic exchanges between members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and figures within the United States, alleging a potential for external influence over the burgeoning right-wing party. Irene Mihalic, the Green Party’s interior policy spokesperson, stated to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) that the AfD appears to be “increasingly controlled by authoritarian forces abroad” diverting its focus from domestic issues and aligning itself with external agendas.
The scrutiny intensified following the travels of over twenty AfD representatives spanning the Bundestag, the European Parliament and the Landtag of Saxony-Anhalt. Concerns are particularly focused on the timing and perceived purpose of these visits.
Adding fuel to the accusations, the AfD has tabled a motion within the Bundestag’s Interior Committee requesting a report from the government detailing the impact of the U.S. government’s designation of “Antifa Ost” as a terrorist group. This request comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in Dresden, where several individuals associated with “Antifa Ost” are facing charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons theft. Critics argue the motion serves to exploit a politically sensitive legal case to advance the AfD’s own agenda.
Mihalic directly linked the AfD’s actions to the “MAGA” movement, suggesting an intentional synchronization of political programs. The recent appearance of AfD foreign policy representative Markus Frohnmaier as an honorary guest at a gala hosted by a prominent club of young Republicans in New York City further solidified these suspicions, prompting inquiries regarding the context and objectives of his travels. The incident is seen as a symbolic moment illustrating a burgeoning transatlantic alignment.
The Green Party’s accusations represent a significant challenge to the AfD, potentially impacting its public image and triggering legislative oversight. They also raise broader questions about the potential for foreign influence within German politics and the increasingly complex relationship between German and U.S. political landscapes.
