Two members of Germany’s opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD) will attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Sochi, Russia, marking the first time European lawmakers participate in the gathering of emerging economies. The decision has stirred sharp debate in Berlin, where AfD continues to face allegations of maintaining close ties with the Kremlin.
The summit, set to begin next week, is seen by the AfD representatives as an opportunity for open dialogue between Europe and Russia despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. One of the delegates, Rainer Rothfuss, defended the visit, stating:
“I consider it my personal mission to use every legitimate democratic means of open debate to help prevent any escalation of the conflict with Russia into NATO territory and into Germany itself.”
German ruling parties, particularly the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), have criticized the move, accusing AfD members of potentially compromising sensitive national information.
CDU politician Thomas Roewekamp warned that AfD MPs could expose “information that would be of great value to foreign powers, not least to Russia, which has been continuously increasing its espionage activities and hybrid attacks against parts of Germany.”
The AfD, labeled as far-right by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV), has rejected all allegations of espionage and insisted its engagement in Sochi aims solely to promote dialogue and de-escalation.
More details on the participation and agenda of the German MPs are expected after the BRICS Summit concludes next week, but the controversy highlights the deep political divide in Germany over relations with Moscow.
