Maximilian Krah, the EU lead candidate for the AfD party, has announced that he will no longer be running for a position on the party’s board. This decision was made during a meeting of the federal board on Monday evening and confirmed by a spokesperson for party leader Alice Weidel on Tuesday. Reports from ZDF-“frontal” and “Junge Freiheit” first broke the news. Other members who also stated that they would not be running for the board include the deputy treasurer, Harald Weyel, and Carlo Clemens. The board consists of 14 members in addition to honorary chairman Alexander Gauland.
Krah explained to “Junge Freiheit” that he wants to focus on his work in the EU Parliament and take a break from being on the board to allow the upcoming board members to focus on the upcoming federal elections. He denied any connection between his decision and the espionage allegations against his former employee who is currently in custody. While reports suggested that the party leadership had urged Krah to step down from the board, sources within the party indicated that it was more of Krah’s own decision and that he was not asked to reconsider.
Krah has been in the spotlight for weeks due to reports of possible connections to pro-Russian networks, China, and alleged financial transactions. The Dresden public prosecutor’s office is considering whether an investigation should be launched. Additionally, the EU parliamentarian came under further scrutiny after an employee was arrested in April on suspicion of spying for China. Krah temporarily stepped back from campaigning for the European elections at the request of the party leadership, but has since resumed his campaign activities.
The decision by Maximilian Krah to not run for a position on the AfD board comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding his alleged ties to foreign networks and the espionage allegations against his former employee. While Krah maintained that his decision to step back from the board was made months ago, his withdrawal from the leadership positions within the party is significant in light of the upcoming federal elections and the need for new leadership within the party. The uncertainties surrounding Krah’s involvement with pro-Russian networks and China continue to cast a shadow over his political career.
Despite the pressure and scrutiny he has faced in recent weeks, Krah remains committed to his work in the EU Parliament. His decision to step back from the party leadership positions reflects a desire to focus on his duties as an EU parliamentarian and allow the party to move forward with new leadership. The ongoing investigations into his alleged connections to foreign networks and the espionage allegations against his former employee will likely continue to be a point of contention for Krah and the AfD party as they navigate the upcoming elections and strive to maintain their political standing amidst the controversies.
