An AfD deputy has written an article for a Russian newspaper in which he praises President Vladimir Putin and calls for closer ties between Germany and Russia.
Who is the deputy?
The deputy is Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, a member of the Bundestag for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
What did he write?
In the article, which was published in the Russian newspaper Vzglyad, Tillschneider praises Putin as a strong leader who has restored Russia’s greatness.
He also calls for closer ties between Germany and Russia, saying that the two countries have a common destiny.
Tillschneider’s article has been condemned by the German government, which has accused him of peddling Kremlin propaganda.
What is the AfD’s position on Russia?
The AfD has a long history of close ties to Russia, and many of its members have expressed admiration for Putin.
In 2014, the AfD signed a cooperation agreement with United Russia, Putin’s party.
The AfD has also been accused of receiving funding from Russia, although the party denies these allegations.
Why is this important?
Tillschneider’s article is the latest example of the AfD’s close ties to Russia.
It also comes at a time when tensions between Germany and Russia are high, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Tillschneider’s article is likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
What are the implications for Germany?
The AfD’s close ties to Russia are a concern for the German government, which is worried that the party could be used to undermine Germany’s security.
The government is also concerned that the AfD’s pro-Russian stance could damage Germany’s relations with its Western allies.
Conclusion
Tillschneider’s article is a reminder of the AfD’s close ties to Russia.
It also comes at a time when tensions between Germany and Russia are high.
The article is likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
The AfD’s close ties to Russia are a concern for the German government, which is worried that the party could be used to undermine Germany’s security.
The government is also concerned that the AfD’s pro-Russian stance could damage Germany’s relations with its Western allies.
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E. Thompson.
