The AfD’s top candidate for the European elections has fired an employee due to espionage allegations but plans to continue the election campaign. The public prosecutor’s office has started preliminary investigations following the incident. Maximilian Krah, the candidate in question, has previously expressed pro-China views, which may now be causing problems for him. He recently dismissed his employee Jian G. after the latter was arrested on suspicion of spying for China in Dresden. G. is currently in custody.
The Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that preliminary investigations have been launched against Krah in connection with possible payments from Russia and China. Despite these developments, Krah intends to remain the top candidate for the AfD for the time being. However, he will not attend the campaign kick-off in Donaueschingen this weekend to avoid damaging the party’s reputation. Krah stated that he is not personally involved in any wrongdoing and plans to participate in an event organized by his Saxon regional association on May 1st.
Party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have emphasized the need to investigate and prevent any foreign influence through espionage or attempts to buy opinions and positions. Krah, who has maintained a friendly relationship with Weidel and Chrupalla, has spoken positively about his former employee Jian G. Despite his dismissal, Krah is interested in uncovering the alleged crime that took place in his office at the European Parliament.
Krah’s views on China have been controversial in the past, with him opposing an EU Parliament resolution urging Beijing to stop repressing the Uyghur minority. He has also praised the People’s Republic on its national holiday. While Krah insists that he always represents German interests, his actions and connections have raised concerns about his ties to the Chinese government. Despite facing criticism and ongoing investigations, Krah remains determined to continue his political career and defend his reputation amidst media scrutiny.