AfD electoral gains in Germany linked by Kremlin to energy costs

AfD German elections Russian gas energy policy Kremlin

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seen significant electoral gains in recent state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt. This surge in popularity has drawn attention from the Kremlin, which suggests the results are partly due to Germany's decision to abandon cheap Russian gas in favor of more expensive imports, primarily from the United States.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the AfD's stance on restoring energy ties with Russia is “more favorable” to Moscow than the position of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. AfD leadership has expressed interest in resuming energy trade, including the potential reactivation of the Nord Stream pipelines, to combat high energy costs and economic decline.

Reports indicate that AfD representatives are preparing for high-level discussions with Russian officials, including a potential meeting in Moscow in 2027, to discuss the resumption of gas supplies. Meanwhile, the AfD has also sought to learn from the political experiences of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

Entities

AfD · Alexey Miller · Alice Weidel · Alternative for Germany · Alternative für Deutschland · Dmitry Peskov · Friedrich Merz · Gazprom · Germany · Kremlin · Markus Frohnmaier

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The AfD argues that Germany needs affordable energy and a wider range of suppliers, including Russia. vojvodjanskireporter.rs · expres.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] The AfD seeks to repair or restart the Nord Stream pipelines. expres.mk · www.capital.gr · blisty.cz
[○ 1 SOURCE] The AfD proposes a reversal of Germany's energy transition (Energiewende) by supporting coal, nuclear, and Russian gas. www.capital.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Alice Weidel advocates for returning to Russian gas as a business model for Germany. actualidad.rt.com · www.capital.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] AfD party leaders have achieved significant electoral gains in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. expres.mk · www.lifo.gr · true-history2.jugem.jp · blisty.cz
[● 3 SOURCES] The Kremlin claims Germany's economic competitiveness has declined due to switching from cheap Russian gas to expensive US gas. valor.globo.com · visionrdn.com · baoquocte.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Markus Frohnmaier met with Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller in Moscow to discuss resuming Russian gas supplies to Germany. vojvodjanskireporter.rs · expres.mk · blisty.cz
[● 4 SOURCES] AfD leaders are planning a high-level meeting in Moscow for 2027 to discuss energy supplies. expres.mk · www.upday.com · wojna.co.pl · blisty.cz
[● 2 SOURCES] Brussels fears the strengthening of the Bundeswehr could change the balance of power in the continent noticiabrasil.net.br · businessam.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] The rise of the AfD party threatens Berlin’s ties with the EU and Russia businessam.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] Germany can now produce more ammunition than the United States inews.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] The AfD party supports lifting sanctions against Russia and resuming energy purchases from Russia noticiabrasil.net.br · businessam.be