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Politicians from Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have been invited to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, sparking widespread criticism from German politicians. The invitation, signed by Russian presidential adviser Anton Kobyakov, has fueled concerns over deepening ties between the Russian government and far-right groups in Europe.
At least two members of the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré, are set to attend the forum at the invitation of Kobyakov. The invitation specifically mentions that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend, which could raise further eyebrows given the AfD’s history of anti-EU and anti-immigration rhetoric.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, once a coveted event for many European leaders, has experienced a decline in attendance in recent years. The event was previously dubbed “Putin’s Davos” due to its high-profile attendance by leaders such as Angela Merkel. However, mainstream European politicians have largely shied away from the event in light of Russia’s international isolation following its annexation of Crimea and ongoing involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The invitation to the AfD has been met with criticism from German politicians who warn that it threatens to undermine European values and strengthen the ties between Russia’s autocratic government and far-right groups in Europe. The AfD has long pushed for closer ties with Moscow, including the resumption of cheap natural gas flows from Russia after the German government’s decision to phase-out nuclear power.
Germany’s opposition, led by the Social Democrats, has accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government of failing to stand up to far-right ideology and has warned of the dangers of Russian attempts to exploit divisions within the EU. The government has maintained that it does not see the invitation as an endorsement of the AfD’s views, but rather an opportunity to engage with Russian officials on key economic issues.
The invitation has also drawn fire from the opposition Green Party, which has called on the government to make it clear that it does not accept the AfD’s stance on Russia. “This is a very alarming development, and we see this as a very deliberate attempt by the Russian government to influence our politics,” a Green Party spokesperson said.