AfD representatives to attend SPIEF to promote Germany’s economic interests

Lead

Representatives of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party participated in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) this week, saying their goal was to promote Germany's economic interests and foster dialogue, according to statements reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. The delegation, which included Bundestag members Markus Frohnmaier, Steffen Kotre, and Saxony regional parliament member Joerg Urban, met with Russian officials and business leaders on the sidelines of the event, which ran from June 3 to 6.

The trip drew criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who accused the AfD lawmakers of undermining Germany's position, as reported by TASS. In response, AfD co-chairman Tino Chrupalla defended the delegation, arguing that they were protecting the interests of the roughly 1,500 German companies still operating in Russia.

Coverage Comparison

All coverage of the event comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which presented the AfD's participation in a largely neutral-to-positive light, emphasizing economic cooperation and German interests. The agency's reports highlight the party's stated goal of 'promoting peace and dialogue' and quote AfD representatives stressing the importance of maintaining communication channels with Russia.

In contrast, the coverage acknowledges criticism from German political figures, including Chancellor Merz, who reportedly condemned the visit. TASS also noted that AfD lawmaker Markus Frohnmaier said he faced pressure from other German political parties over his presence in Russia, though he dismissed such criticism as part of his daily work.

Notably, TASS is the official general information partner for SPIEF, and its reporting reflects a focus on Russian perspectives on energy cooperation and bilateral relations.

Key Claims

Energy Concerns: During a working meeting on June 3, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and AfD lawmaker Markus Frohnmaier discussed the European energy market, with particular attention to Germany, according to a Gazprom statement reported by TASS. The meeting, initiated by the German party, noted that Germany's underground gas storage fill levels are currently the lowest in five years, which could make replenishing reserves before next winter extremely difficult. Frohnmaier was quoted as saying that 'Germany is caught in a severe economic downward spiral' driven largely by high energy costs, and he called for recommissioning the Nord Stream pipeline and resuming trade relations with Russia. Miller, for his part, stressed that Gazprom and Germany had previously enjoyed constructive cooperation, with reliable Russian gas supplies contributing to German economic development for decades.

German Business Presence: In an interview with TASS, Frohnmaier said the delegation was in St. Petersburg to discuss conditions for the approximately 1,500 German companies that still have a presence in Russia. He stated that the goal was to 'make conditions for these companies more favorable again.' He also mentioned that another aspect of the visit was addressing the 'energy crisis which Germany has to live through at this point.'

Party's Stated Goals: According to an AfD parliamentary faction representative quoted by Handelsblatt and republished by TASS, the lawmakers' trip was approved by the faction. The representative said the main focus was on German economic interests as well as 'promoting peace and dialogue.' They added that, given the tense international situation, the AfD faction considers it reasonable to maintain contacts with all sides and keep negotiation channels open.

Perspectives

AfD's Perspective: The AfD presents its participation in SPIEF as necessary for advancing German economic interests and maintaining diplomatic dialogue. Party representatives argue that affordable energy from Russia benefits German citizens and companies, and they criticize the current government for failing to pursue pragmatic relations with Moscow. Co-chairman Tino Chrupalla claimed that Chancellor Merz himself has admitted that rapprochement with Russia is necessary, at least when speaking in East Germany, though he noted that no consequences have followed from such statements.

German Government's Criticism: Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the AfD for its representatives' visit to Russia, as reported by TASS. The criticism is part of a broader pattern of German mainstream parties distancing themselves from the AfD, which is known for its pro-Russian stance and opposition to sanctions. According to TASS, Frohnmaier acknowledged facing daily pressure from other parties but said the AfD pays it no mind.

Russian Official Position: Gazprom and Russian officials, as mediated by TASS, frame the meetings as constructive and focused on energy security. Miller's remarks emphasized past successful cooperation, and the discussion of Germany's low gas storage levels served to underline the benefits of restoring energy ties. The Russian side has consistently argued that Western sanctions and the reduction of Russian gas imports have caused significant economic harm to European countries, including Germany.

It is important to note that all primary reporting in this article is sourced from TASS, which is a state-owned outlet with an editorial line aligned with Russian government positions. Independent verification of the claims made by AfD representatives and Gazprom statements was not available at the time of writing.