AfD Renews Calls for Russian Energy Amid High Fuel Prices

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leveraging a surge in energy costs to advocate for a return to Russia as a primary energy supplier. This strategic shift follows significant gains for the party in recent state elections, where voters expressed growing concern over the economic impact of high fuel prices. In Germany, petrol prices have climbed by more than 15% since hostilities broke out between Israel and Iran a month ago, a conflict that has also involved the United States. This economic pressure has resonated particularly well in industrial hubs like Baden-Wuerttemberg, where the automotive sector faces stiff competition from nations with lower energy overheads. Markus Frohnmaier, a leading AfD candidate in Baden-Wuerttemberg, noted that energy prices in the region are roughly double those found in China or North America. > This election campaign was all about the economy, the economy, the economy. The AfD has solidified its standing as the nation's second-largest political force, capturing approximately 20% of the vote in both Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Frohnmaier argues that restoring energy ties is a matter of national necessity. > It is essential for Germanys energy sovereignty, as well as for affordable electricity ... that Germany begins to import Russian gas and oil again. Historically, Moscow provided more than half of the natural gas and a third of the crude oil used by the German economy. This arrangement ended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline. Since then, Berlin has pivoted to alternative partners, including Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The transition has been difficult, contributing to a two-year recession and manufacturing job losses. Political analysts suggest the AfD's message is gaining traction because it addresses immediate financial hardships rather than complex foreign policy. Johannes Hillje, a political scientist, observed that this argument is more closely linked to daily life than abstract geopolitical statements. However, mainstream politicians remain wary. Roderich Kiesewetter of the Christian Democrats warned that the AfD is actively promoting narratives that benefit Moscow. > It would be disastrous for European security and the trust of our partners if imports of Russian oil and gas were to increase. Despite these warnings, some members of the established parties have also begun suggesting a restoration of economic ties. The AfD, which recently secured a legal injunction against being classified as an extremist group by domestic intelligence, continues to gain support among younger and working-class demographics. Looking ahead to state elections in eastern regions this September, the sentiment for a return to previous energy policies appears even stronger. Michael Kretschmer, the CDU premier of Saxony, acknowledged a widespread public view that severing ties with Moscow was a strategic error. > The further east you go, the stronger this feeling becomes.