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German AfD lead candidate for Europe wants to campaign again after allegations

by AI | 13.May 2024 | Europe in brief AI

In April, it became public that an employee of Chinese descent working for Maximilian Krah is under investigation for suspicion of espionage. Krah said on Saturday that he will appear nationwide from now on.

Maximilian Krah is the top European candidate for the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Photo: Guido Kirchner/dpa

Holzkirchen – The AfD European lead candidate and member of the European Parliament, Maximilian Krah, under pressure due to espionage allegations against an employee and the review of possible payments from China and Russia, intends to resume his campaign. On Saturday, at an appearance in the Upper Bavarian town of Holzkirchen, Krah rejected the allegations, saying, “We are in the realm of speculation and defamation.” He stated his parliamentary immunity has not been lifted. From now on, he will make appearances throughout Germany. In the preceding weeks, Krah had avoided the public.

In April, it was revealed that the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office was investigating a Chinese-origin employee of Krah’s in the European Parliament on suspicion of espionage. At the end of April, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Dresden announced that it had initiated preliminary investigations concerning the potential payments from China and Russia to the AfD politician.

Preliminary investigations are meant to determine whether there is even an initial suspicion of a possible offense – they are not equivalent to a criminal investigation that targets specific suspects. “There is nothing at all,” said Krah.

The AfD event was supposed to take place in nearby Miesbach. However, the innkeeper canceled at short notice citing threats and hostile actions. The new venue, a tavern in Holzkirchen, attracted an estimated 30 AfD supporters, while about 20 people participated in a counter-demonstration by Antifa across the street. Apart from chanting, the situation remained calm. (May 11)