Deadline expired

Krah must remain the AfD’s lead candidate

Maximilian Krah, controversial European lead candidate of the AfD(Bild: AFP)

The controversial European lead candidate of the German AfD, Maximilian Krah, is becoming a burden for his party. As the legal deadline for changing the lists has already expired, he must remain at the top. Resigning from or being expelled from the party would also have no legal effect.

At this point in time, the list could only be changed "if a candidate or substitute candidate dies or loses eligibility." This is the case if a candidate has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to at least five years in prison. This means that Krah remains at the top of the list, whether the AfD likes it or not.

AfD top candidate Maximilian Krah(Bild: AFP)

Criticism of his own party leadership
Even a resignation would not change anything. However, the candidate has the option of not running for a seat he has won. As reported, Krah is said to have received money from Russia. One of his employees was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The politician has so far rejected all accusations and emphasizes that he will remain the lead candidate for the European elections.

People are ducking away and not taking political responsibility.

AfD-Abgeordnete Sylvia Limmer

Some AfD politicians have now criticized their own party leadership. "They are ducking away and not taking political responsibility. And that is disturbing insofar as the allegations or the inconsistencies surrounding Maximilian Krah were fully known to the federal executive," said outgoing MEP Sylvia Limmer.

Support from Sellner
Austria's Identitarian leader Martin Sellner, on the other hand, jumped to the MEP's defense and spoke of a "manipulative report". He circulated a video on social networks. On Thursday afternoon, the German Bundestag will discuss the allegations of influence peddling from Russia and China.