Green Party leader Ricarda Lang is calling for an investigation into allegations against AfD politician Petr Bystron. She accuses the AfD of being a puppet of the Russian government and criticizes the party’s lack of transparency. Bystron denies accepting any money in connection to a disinformation campaign. Lang believes that the AfD poses a national security risk in Germany as an extension of the Kremlin.
Lang’s concerns stem from reports linking Bystron to the pro-Russian internet platform “Voice of Europe”. Bystron denies any wrongdoing and has called for the allegations to be investigated. Lang’s criticism extends beyond Bystron, emphasizing that the issue is systemic within the AfD party. She warns voters that supporting the AfD in the upcoming European elections is effectively endorsing Putin’s influence in Europe. Bystron’s defense has been supported by the AfD’s federal board, which believes in his innocence and is committed to a thorough investigation.
Despite the support from the AfD leadership, Lang remains adamant about the potential dangers posed by the party’s alleged ties to authoritarian regimes. She points to other party members, such as Maximilian Krah, who have shown close associations with such regimes. Lang emphasizes the necessity of addressing the broader issue of Russian influence within the AfD. Bystron’s position as the second candidate on the AfD’s list for the European elections further heightens the urgency of the situation.
In response to the allegations, Bystron has reiterated his innocence and criticized the involvement of foreign intelligence services in influencing the election campaign. The AfD is considering legal actions to address the situation. Despite calls for caution, with no tangible evidence against Bystron, the party continues to support his candidacy. Bystron’s involvement in the Bundestag and the AfD’s stance on his innocence highlight the complexities of the situation and potential ramifications for the upcoming elections.
The allegations against Bystron and the AfD’s response have further intensified the debate surrounding the party’s connections to authoritarian regimes. Lang’s warnings about the potential implications of supporting the AfD echo concerns about the party’s role in German politics. The outcome of the investigation into Bystron’s alleged ties to the Russian government could have significant repercussions for the party and its standing in the upcoming elections. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of the AfD and its relationship with foreign entities remains uncertain.
