Germany’s AfD party will travel to Washington in December after an invitation from Republican politicians, sparking U.S. support and German accusations of Russian espionage.
AfD to Visit Washington in December
AfD activists plan to travel to Washington in December after receiving an invitation from Republican politicians. According to Anna Paulina Luna, a congresswoman for AfD, around forty party members will meet with U.S. congress members. A party spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the invitation, as reported by Politico.
U.S. Politicians Express Support for AfD
Luna highlighted claims of persecution by AfD members, comparing recent German government actions against its citizens to Soviet‑era authoritarianism. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, have voiced backing for the far‑right group, with Rubio labeling the group “tyranies in disguise” and Vance urging the removal of a “sanitary cordon” around AfD.
German Accusations of Russian Espionage
German leaders have accused AfD parliamentarians of spying for Russia. In the Thuringian state parliament, AfD members raised numerous questions on critical infrastructure, while Interior Minister Georg Maier linked their focus to close ties with Russia. The head of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, Marc Henrichmann, stated that Russia leverages influence within AfD to obtain sensitive Bundestag information.
Potential Legitimisation of Persecution Claims
Politico notes that the December visit could allow AfD leaders to validate their claims of persecution in Germany, as they seek to boost their domestic standing by showcasing international engagement.
