Maximilian Krah, the lead candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the upcoming European elections, has vowed to remain in his position despite allegations of espionage by one of his aides. Jian G., a 47-year-old aide to Krah in the European Parliament, was arrested on Monday and charged with spying for Chinese intelligence.
Following the arrest, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced that G. was brought before an investigating judge and placed in pre-trial detention. The European Parliament also suspended G. with immediate effect.
Krah has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but has denied any personal misconduct. He has stated that he will terminate G.’s employment and take a low profile at the start of the election campaign.
Krah’s decision to remain as lead candidate has sparked controversy, with some members of the AfD expressing concerns about potential damage to the party’s reputation. Despite these concerns, Krah has stated that he is confident in his ability to lead the AfD and has dismissed any suggestion that he may step down.
The AfD has been criticized for its close ties to Russia and China. In recent years, the party has been accused of receiving Russian funds and spreading pro-Russian propaganda. Krah himself has been accused of being a “loud vassal” of China and of denying human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
The espionage allegations against G. have further damaged the AfD’s reputation and have raised questions about the party’s ties to foreign governments. It remains to be seen whether Krah will be able to weather the storm and lead the AfD to success in the upcoming European elections.
