According to media reports, the Alternative for Germany (AFD) is actively seeking support from power centers in Washington to influence the political situation in their country, where the party faces a potential ban.
The party is “expanding its network of contacts” with the Republican Party and associates of U.S. President Donald Trump “to persuade the U.S. to put pressure on the German government and gain Washington’s support in the face of a possible ban,” according to German weekly Der Spiegel, cited by Do Rzeczy.
Support for the “right-wing extremist organization” is steadily growing in Germany, with an October poll putting it at 27 percent, its highest result yet. That means it is the most popular party in the country, and its pool of potential voters is also growing as well, which means the party has some room to grow.
On Monday, Der Spiegel reported that since the beginning of the year, AfD politicians have been regularly traveling to the United States, where they meet with Republicans; U.S. administration officials; advisers to Trump; and conservative activists, commentators, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
“For months, one phrase has been echoed within the party: Washington is key,” the weekly wrote, citing AfD sources.
The weekly assessed that the AfD delegation’s trips to the United States “appear to be more than just friendly visits between ideological allies.”
It also noted that the meetings are taking place during a period of “rapid deterioration in relations” between the U.S. and Europe, with the new U.S. security strategy released a few days ago sparking concern in European countries.
