The leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has defended his leadership’s actions amid reports of leading party politicians’ possible involvement in Russia and China.
“We will draw clear consequences if these things are confirmed against Mr Krah and Mr Bystron,” Tino Chrupalla said on German public broadcaster ZDF on Thursday evening.
Both had assured in writing that there was nothing to the allegations and that therefore the presumption of innocence applied.
Maximilian Krahis a member of the European Parliament, the AfD’s top candidate for the European elections in June, while a member of the AfD Bundestag Peter Bystron is in second place on the election list.
Following media reports about possible links with pro-Russian networks and possible financial payments, prosecutors are investigating whether both politicians should be investigated.
Krah is also under pressure because one of his employees has been arrested on suspicion of espionage for China.
In the heated TV debate, politician from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Armin Laschet attacked Chrupalla: “There have never been such circumstances of betrayal on this scale in the Federal Republic of Germany,” said the former CDU candidate for chancellor.
“If you were as sure as you are here, would you say I send Krah on every talk show to prove his innocence? Please don’t fool us and the German people!’
Krah will not take part in the opening event of the AfD campaign with party leaders Alice Weidel and Chrupalla in Donaueschingen in southwestern Germany on Saturday. There won’t be any videos with him either.
