Six months ago the Alternative for Germany was riding high in the polls, with support at 23%. Since then the party has lost 5 points in the polls. The party's problems have been compounded a series of revelations about links to Russias financiers and Chinese spies. Could the scandals damage the party in upcoming European elections and beyond?

Berlin

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party faces challenges ahead of the upcoming European elections, amid declining poll numbers and controversies surrounding its connections to foreign entities. Six months ago, the AfD was enjoying a high approval rating of 23% in the polls, but recent surveys show that the party's support has dropped by 5 percentage points. This decline has been exacerbated by a series of revelations about the party's alleged links to Russian financiers and Chinese spies, raising questions about the potential impact on its performance in the European elections and its future prospects.

The scrutiny began with allegations against AfD MP Peter Bistron, who was accused of receiving money from a Russian oligarch aiming to spread disinformation about the European Union. Bistron has denied any wrongdoing. The situation intensified with the arrest of a longstanding adviser to Maximilian Kras, the AfD's lead candidate in the European elections, who is charged with spying for China. These developments have caused significant concern within the party, with some fearing that the focus on these controversies might detract from its election campaign themes.

In the Marzahn district of East Berlin, a traditional stronghold for the AfD, opinions vary on the impact of these allegations. Some residents expressed skepticism about the accusations, viewing them as potentially exaggerated or open to interpretation, while others firmly oppose the AfD, citing historical reasons and the party's controversial stance. Nationwide polls indicate a widespread reluctance among German voters to support the AfD, with more than 70% stating they would not consider voting for the party.

The AfD has historically demonstrated resilience in the face of scandals, maintaining a solid base of support. However, as the European election approaches, the party must navigate the ongoing controversy regarding its foreign links, which could impede its electoral success.



Germany's far-right AFD party in trouble ahead of EU election

It began with this man, Peter Bistron, an MP with the far-right Alternative for Germany, and allegations he had taken money from a Russian oligarch trying to spread disinformation about the European Union. Bistron denies any wrongdoing. Then it was Maximilian Kras turning the spotlight. He is the AFD's lead candidate in the European elections. Police arrested his longstanding adviser on charges of spying for China. The election campaign is now being badly overshadowed by this matter. This means that unfortunately people are now talking about China instead of Europe. The weekly market in the Marzahn district of East Berlin. A place where the AFD hope their populist tune will resonate with working class people. Could the latest allegations hurt the party? Yes, but on the other hand, every party has its skeletons in the closet. I don't know. It's difficult to know what people are thinking. People don't dare to talk openly about voting for the AFD. With these kind of fake news accusations, I would say a lot of it is open to interpretation and exaggerated. It doesn't sit well with me. That's why the AFD is not an alternative. The latest nationwide poll suggests that that is a widely shared view. While the AFD's base is solid, more than 70% of Germans say they wouldn't dream of voting for the party. Could you imagine voting for the AFD? Absolutely not. Maybe, yeah. The years from 1933 to 1945 have shown us that this is not good, and that's it. No question about it. It's a party that is not afraid, and that probably explains why the other parties are worried. In the past, scandals have done little to dent the AFD's popularity. But as the European election campaign hots up, difficult questions about the party's foreign links have become difficult questions about the party's foreign links could block its path to success.

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