The leader of a German party «Alice Weidel of »Alternative for Germany’ (AfD) has once again called on Berlin to normalise relations with Russia. During her speech in the Bundestag, she criticised the current policy of Friedrich Merz’s government towards Moscow and stated that good relations with the Russian Federation allegedly serve Germany’s economic and security interests. Weidel also called for a return to purchasing cheaper Russian energy resources.
- Weidel called for the restoration of Germany’s relations with Russia.
- She is calling for the return of cheap Russian gas.
- The AfD has criticised Berlin’s sanctions and energy policies.
- The Merz government accuses the AfD of promoting Moscow’s interests.
Weidel has called for the restoration of relations with Russia
In her speech, Weidel stated that Berlin should abandon its policy of confrontation with Moscow and return to economic and political cooperation.
According to her, Germany should buy oil and gas wherever they are cheapest. The politician has repeatedly and explicitly named Russia as one such supplier and has spoken out against phasing out Russian energy resources.
During the budget debate in the Bundestag on 9 September, Weidel once again criticised the government for escalating tensions with Russia and for its reluctance to return to cheap pipeline gas from Russia. An official report by the German parliament confirms that Russian and energy policy were among the central themes of her speech.
The AfD wants to bring back Russian oil and gas
Weidel’s stance is not new. Back in June, she stated that Germany should end its de facto boycott of Russian oil and gas, as cheaper energy sources, in her view, would help the German economy.
The AfD opposes many things sanctions against Russia and criticises the federal government’s energy policy. The party also insists that Russian gas supplies could be resumed and opposes a complete severing of economic ties between Berlin and Moscow.
Weidel had previously stated that Germany should «buy oil and gas where they are cheapest», referring directly to Russia. She also described cheap pipeline gas as vital for German industry.
Merz accuses the AfD of supporting Russian interests
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes the opposite view. His government advocates continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia.
Following the success AfD During the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz accused the party of promoting Russian interests. Reuters noted that re-establishing ties with Moscow was one of the key points of the AfD’s campaign in the region.
In the Bundestag, representatives of the governing coalition also regularly criticise the AfD for its stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, the party itself insists that resuming trade and political dialogue with Moscow is, above all, in Germany’s economic interests.
The AfD is gaining ground in Germany
Weidel’s statements are attracting further attention against the backdrop of growing support for the AfD. The party has recently performed strongly in regional elections and is seeking to gradually move from its role in opposition to challenging for federal power.
Weidel herself has previously stated that she expects the AfD to grow even stronger and has not ruled out a bid for the chancellorship in the next federal election.
Consequently, the issue of relations with Russia is becoming not only a foreign policy matter, but also one of the key points of division between the AfD and the current German government. Weidel insists on resuming economic ties with Moscow, whilst Berlin continues to support Ukraine and accuses Russia of threatening European security.
