Germany's AFD Aims for 'very good relations' with Russia, Says Co-Leader
According to the co-chair of Alternative for Germany (AfD), Berlin must cease its "self-harming" sanctions policy and stop provoking Moscow. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has called for Germany to abandon its “harmful” sanctions policy and restore relations with Russia, emphasizing the need for the nation's economic stability. In an interview with the Bild tabloid published on Sunday, she stated that antagonizing Moscow has only led to difficulties for Germany.
Weidel affirmed that the AfD desires “very good relations with our European neighbors” as well as with significant global powers, which she asserted includes Russia. She pointed out, “Until two years ago, we sourced cheap natural gas from Russia through the Nord Stream,” referring to the undersea pipelines supplying natural gas to Germany, which were sabotaged in a series of explosions in autumn 2022. In response, Berlin has moved to halt Russian energy imports as part of its EU sanctions policy linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Weidel criticized the sanctions, declaring that their introduction was a mistake that has primarily harmed the German economy. She emphasized, “What we want is to put an end to the sanctions policy,” arguing that the current “highest energy prices in the world” render Germany “no longer competitive.” According to Statista, as of March 2024, Germany ranks fifth globally in household electricity prices, trailing Italy, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium.
When Bild challenged her on the prospect of restoring relations with a country considered a threat, Weidel contended that Berlin has contributed to escalating tensions through its aggressive rhetoric. She remarked that the German government has been escalating the situation, adding that politicians in Berlin engaged in belligerent discourse while providing military support to Kiev amid its conflict with Moscow.
Weidel added, “German tanks have been rolling against Russia again” for the first time since World War II, referencing the heavy armor provided to Ukraine as military assistance.
When questioned about her reluctance to critique Russia's role in the conflict, Weidel advocated for dialogue, stating that Berlin and Moscow should “sit down at the negotiating table.” She asserted, “You have to talk to each other,” and called for Germany to engage in peace negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, deeming that approach “the only serious policy.”
Despite facing exclusion from other major German political forces, which label it as “far-right,” the AfD has been gaining traction, enjoying support from between 20% and 21% of the population ahead of snap parliamentary elections. Current polls indicate that the party is expected to secure second place, following the conservative Christian Democratic Union.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Weidel affirmed that the AfD desires “very good relations with our European neighbors” as well as with significant global powers, which she asserted includes Russia. She pointed out, “Until two years ago, we sourced cheap natural gas from Russia through the Nord Stream,” referring to the undersea pipelines supplying natural gas to Germany, which were sabotaged in a series of explosions in autumn 2022. In response, Berlin has moved to halt Russian energy imports as part of its EU sanctions policy linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Weidel criticized the sanctions, declaring that their introduction was a mistake that has primarily harmed the German economy. She emphasized, “What we want is to put an end to the sanctions policy,” arguing that the current “highest energy prices in the world” render Germany “no longer competitive.” According to Statista, as of March 2024, Germany ranks fifth globally in household electricity prices, trailing Italy, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium.
When Bild challenged her on the prospect of restoring relations with a country considered a threat, Weidel contended that Berlin has contributed to escalating tensions through its aggressive rhetoric. She remarked that the German government has been escalating the situation, adding that politicians in Berlin engaged in belligerent discourse while providing military support to Kiev amid its conflict with Moscow.
Weidel added, “German tanks have been rolling against Russia again” for the first time since World War II, referencing the heavy armor provided to Ukraine as military assistance.
When questioned about her reluctance to critique Russia's role in the conflict, Weidel advocated for dialogue, stating that Berlin and Moscow should “sit down at the negotiating table.” She asserted, “You have to talk to each other,” and called for Germany to engage in peace negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, deeming that approach “the only serious policy.”
Despite facing exclusion from other major German political forces, which label it as “far-right,” the AfD has been gaining traction, enjoying support from between 20% and 21% of the population ahead of snap parliamentary elections. Current polls indicate that the party is expected to secure second place, following the conservative Christian Democratic Union.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
