Key facts
- AfD leader Alice Weidel called for an end to Germany's boycott of Russian oil and gas.
- Weidel stated that cheap Russian energy was essential for Germany's economic success and industrial competitiveness.
- She believes the current energy situation has led to job losses and increased dependence on the United States.
- Weidel views upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern as critical steps towards the AfD potentially leading the national government.
- An AfD lawmaker's recent visit to Russia and meeting with Gazprom's head were mentioned.
Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has called for an end to the boycott of Russian oil and gas, asserting that it is necessary to revive the country's struggling economy. Weidel stated that cheap energy from Russia was the foundation of Germany's "Made in Germany" success and that its loss has set the nation back years, leading to hundreds of thousands of job losses and increased dependence on the United States for more expensive energy.
Weidel's remarks come ahead of key federal state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in September, where the AfD is leading in polls. She described these elections as "decisive milestones" that could pave the way for the AfD to potentially lead a national government by the next federal elections, due by 2029. The party's potential victory in these eastern German states could challenge Berlin's policies on migration and upend the traditional political landscape, which has largely excluded the AfD from power.
Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia supplied over a third of Germany's crude oil and more than half of its natural gas. The country has since struggled with high energy costs, exacerbated by the crippling of the Nord Stream pipeline in September 2022. The automotive industry, a cornerstone of the German economy, is particularly affected, with Volkswagen considering significant job cuts.
Weidel's comments also highlight potential divisions within the Western alliance supporting Ukraine. While the current German government remains committed to backing Ukraine, public opinion is more divided, especially in eastern Germany, which has historical ties to Russia. Senior AfD lawmaker Markus Frohnmaier recently visited Russia and met with Alexei Miller, the head of Gazprom, discussing the potential reopening of the Nord Stream pipeline. Frohnmaier suggested that a three-month timeframe would be needed to resume gas supply and indicated that U.S. investors might be exploring the possibility.
However, Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of parliament from the Christian Democrats, criticized the AfD's pro-Russian stance, accusing the party of romanticizing Russia to influence the upcoming elections. Weidel dismissed accusations of extremism, stating that the AfD represents the interests of ordinary people and would not drastically alter the political system if it gained power.