2024-04-28 18:45:58
Is the Maximilian Krah scandal damaging the AfD? Quite possible. But not because the allegations call their patriotism into question.
Sometimes it helps to look back to better understand what is going on and what could come next. It’s the same with Maximilian Krah and his China Gate. Things could actually be dangerous for the AfD this time. But not because Krah obviously has a penchant for dictatorships. But because a lot is now coming together for the AfD.
You have to start last summer. At that time, the AfD put together its European list in Magdeburg. Things are going great for the AfD, in the polls it is at over 20 percent. She wants to begin her triumphant march in the European elections, shortly before the important elections in East Germany in the fall and later the federal election in 2025.
Maximilian Krah wants to be the top candidate. But some in the AfD think this is not a good idea at all, and even dangerous. They are afraid that Krah will ruin everything for them with his scandals and scandals. He was already suspended by his extreme right-wing faction in the European Parliament due to allegations of fraud. It is his second suspension there. Members said at the election party conference that the party’s behavior was “ridiculous” and “impossible”.
The AfD knew its infamous “bubbly Maxe” – and still made him the top candidate. She was worried, yes. But not because Krah obviously has a lot for China and Russia. But because it meant unrest and trouble.
Ordinary categories fail for the AfD
And that brings us back to the present. The events in brief: Maximilian Krah’s now former assistant Jian G. is in custody and is accused of spying for China. Preliminary investigations are underway against the top candidate Krah himself regarding possible payments from China and Russia.
By any ordinary political standard, this is a powerful scandal. But it’s about the AfD, where normal categories regularly fail. And who usually just brushes off their scandals and then continues running marathons.
The AfD is exposing itself as an “alternative for despots,” it is now often said in politics and editorials. The beautiful facade of patriotism is finally collapsing, which must really, really finally lead to the disenchantment of the self-proclaimed Patriot Party. That pretty much sums up the hope these days.
Small problem: Admiration for despots is at the core of the AfD. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping enjoy their good reputation there not because they pursue authoritarian and reactionary politics, but precisely because of it. Having good connections to China and Russia does not disenchant the AfD – they are part of its magic. At least for their clientele. And anyone who generally does not consider China and Russia to be problematic has little reason to see relations there as a problem for their own patriotism.
Well practiced theater
The AfD is now putting on its well-rehearsed play: in order to break the wave of indignation in the general public, they act completely surprised (even though a lot of things have been known since October through t-online research), promise clarification and, as a precaution, deny any responsibility itself. At the same time, you signal to your own clientele that everything isn’t that bad or that it’s a conspiracy. Krah is now talking about a “campaign” after initially acting surprised and outraged.
This is argumentatively poor in consistency and rich in contradictions, but it works reliably for large parts of the electorate. Anyone who puts together their world view from Telegram groups and “alternative media” needs greater irritation to fall away from the faith.
But there are three reasons why the whole thing could irritate the AfD more lastingly this time.