“We remember where Germany in the hands of a far-right, pro-Russian party can lead,” says Polish FM
The rise of the far-right AfD in Germany has been watched with particular concern in Poland.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has warned that a far-right, pro-Russian party in Germany could lead to troubling consequences, echoing the events that led to World War Two. Sikorski stated that Germany, under democratic leadership and as Europe's largest economy, should play a strong role in ensuring the common security of all nations.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been gaining traction in recent years, winning significant victories in regional elections and making strides in federal elections. The AfD's growing popularity in Germany has raised concerns in Poland, a country that suffered greatly under Nazi-German occupation during World War Two. Some AfD figures have downplayed the significance of the Nazi era, while others have expressed sympathy towards Russia and called for Poland to pay reparations for its alleged complicity in damaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
The Polish government has condemned the AfD's rise, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeling those who celebrate the party's victory as "idiots or traitors." However, reactions from other Polish opposition parties have been mixed, with some expressing hope that the AfD's success could inspire similar changes in Poland.
Written by urgent.news from Notes from Poland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
