AfD
Krah suggests that Bystron refrain from campaigning
Petr Bystron is running for second place on the AfD list in the European elections on June 9th. photo
© Carsten Koall/dpa
Today AfD MP Bystron is supposed to explain himself to his party leadership. A newspaper report links him to pro-Russian propaganda and monetary payments.
In the affair surrounding alleged cash payments from Russia, AfD member of the Bundestag Petr Bystron suggested that the party refrain from appearing in the European election campaign for the time being. “Petr Bystron should not make any election campaign appearances until the allegations have been clarified,” said the AfD’s leading candidate in the European elections, Maximilian Krah, to “Welt”. Bystron is running for second place on the AfD list in the vote on June 9th.
He is expected to give the party leadership a written statement on the allegations by today. Federal Managing Director Hans-Holger Malcomeß had given him the deadline in a letter.
The party leadership refers, among other things, to a report about an audio recording that is supposed to incriminate Bystron. The Czech newspaper “Denik N” had reported that Bystron was suspected of having been in contact with the pro-Russian Internet platform “Voice of Europe”, which the Prague cabinet put on the national sanctions list last week.
Has Bystron accepted money?
He may also have accepted money. Bystron’s name was said to have been mentioned at the cabinet meeting, the newspaper reported, citing several ministers. An unnamed government member said with reference to Bystron, citing the domestic intelligence service BIS: “You can provide audio evidence of the handover of money.”
Bystron had told the dpa that these were “unproven accusations and claims.” And: “I have nothing to blame myself for.” He told the newspapers of the Funke media group: “I did not accept any money to represent pro-Russian positions.” Next Monday there will be a personal conversation between him, the party leaders and their deputies.
Baerbock: Bystron affair in the context of hybrid warfare
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sees the affair surrounding alleged cash payments from Russia to Bystron in connection with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s hybrid warfare. The approach is aimed at hollowing out and undermining democracies in Europe from within, said the Green politician on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.
The focus is on the division of societies, disinformation and fake news. “And we see that these attacks have also taken place on Germany in the past, with a view to disinformation, with a view to cyber attacks,” she added.
Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki (FDP) told the Funke newspapers: “It is well known that among the top AfD representatives there are those whose love of Russia goes further than is politically justifiable as a German MP.” If the reports about illegal activities are correct, Bystron will feel the consequences of a functioning constitutional state. “It would certainly be helpful and advisable if he or his party would clarify this matter themselves.”