Germany, Merz warns of Russian espionage risks and criticizes the AfD

Berlin (Germany), Oct 16 (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his speech to the Bundestag, accused Russia of increasingly shameless attempts to destabilize Germany and Europe through hybrid warfare tools: “with sabotage, cyberattacks, targeted disinformation, and espionage, even from within your own ranks,” Merz said, looking toward the far-right AfD benches. Recently, AfD Bundestag deputy chairman Markus Frohnmaier announced his intention to travel to Russia next spring. CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber called him a “vassal” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that the risk of transmitting classified information to the Kremlin—and thus posing a serious threat to the security of Germany and Europe—is “high.” CDU deputy Roderich Kiesewetter also criticized the far-right party, stating that the AfD regularly acts as “a spokesperson and extended arm of the Kremlin.”