German lawmakers voted to lift the immunity from prosecution of Petr Bystron, a top candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany party in the upcoming European Parliament election. Bystron, currently a lawmaker in Germany’s national parliament, faces an investigation for corruption and money laundering. Searches were conducted in properties in Berlin, Bavaria, and Mallorca, with documents and evidence seized. Bystron is the no. 2 on AfD’s list for the June election.
The investigation into Bystron has raised concerns within AfD, with co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla issuing a statement calling the event a serious matter. They emphasized that no proof has been provided to support the accusations against Bystron and expressed hope for a quick conclusion to the investigation to prevent any influence on the European Parliament election campaign. The party has faced criticism for alleged connections to Russia and China, with recent events painting an unflattering picture of AfD.
Last month, an assistant to Maximilian Krah, another AfD European Parliament candidate, was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The German government and mainstream opposition lawmakers have criticized AfD for its perceived ties to foreign nations. Additionally, a court ruled that Germany’s domestic intelligence agency was justified in placing AfD under observation for extremism suspicions. The party plans to appeal this decision, claiming it is a political attempt to undermine them. Another court ruling found Björn Höcke, a prominent figure in AfD, guilty of using a Nazi slogan in a speech and ordered him to pay a fine.
The incidents surrounding AfD have put the party in a negative light and raised questions about the party’s integrity. With the upcoming European Parliament election, the investigations and rulings could potentially impact AfD’s standing with voters. Despite the controversies, the party remains popular among certain segments of the German population. Given the ongoing investigations and legal battles, the future of AfD and its political ambitions remain uncertain. As the election approaches, the outcome will determine the party’s place in the European political landscape.
