**Title: AfD Leader Advocates for Renewed Economic Ties with Russia Amid Economic Struggles**
Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has called for the lifting of the ban on Russian oil and gas imports, arguing that such a move is essential for revitalizing the country's struggling economy. In a recent interview, Weidel emphasized the need to restore economic relations with Russia, asserting that the sanctions imposed following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 have had a detrimental impact on Germany's economic stability.
Historically, Germany relied heavily on Russian energy, with approximately 55% of its natural gas and about 12% of its oil-processing capacity sourced from Russia. Weidel remarked, “Cheap energy from Russia was the secret of the success of ‘Made in Germany’. We need it back,” highlighting the significant role that affordable energy has played in the nation’s industrial success. She noted that the loss of this energy source has resulted in substantial job losses and has increased Germany's dependence on the United States for energy, which is sold at much higher prices.
The economic consequences of the sanctions have been stark. Germany's economy contracted in both 2023 and 2024, marking the first instance of consecutive annual declines since the early 2000s. The country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) reported a worrying rise in bankruptcies earlier this year, while the Federal Statistical Office indicated a year-on-year decline of 1.2% in industrial output, attributing these downturns largely to elevated energy prices.
Further compounding the issue, a report from the German Environmental Aid Association (DUH) revealed that by 2025, 96% of Germany's liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports were expected to come from the United States, raising concerns about the country’s growing dependency on a single foreign supplier.
The AfD’s call for a shift in energy policy comes at a time when the party is gaining traction among voters. An INSA survey published recently indicated that the AfD has become the most popular party in Germany, with a support rate of 29%, surpassing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) by seven percentage points. This rise in popularity has occurred despite the party being excluded from coalition discussions by other major political groups, which have maintained a so-called ‘firewall’ against collaboration with the AfD.
The current government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has faced criticism for its handling of the economy, with Merz attributing economic challenges to the German populace and advocating for increased work hours and cuts to social spending. Meanwhile, the government has focused on military expansion, citing a perceived threat from Russia, a claim that Moscow has dismissed as unfounded.
As the political landscape in Germany evolves, the next general election is anticipated in 2029, and the AfD's growing influence may reshape the country's approach to both domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding energy imports and relations with Russia.