AfD Lawmakers Head to Putin’s St. Petersburg Economic Forum

Moscow invites far-right German politicians to ‘Putin’s Davos’ – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)

Russian officials have invited at least two members of Germany’s Alternative for Germany party to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum scheduled for June. The move comes from an adviser to President Vladimir Putin and underscores the Kremlin’s continued outreach to European opposition figures. Lawmakers Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré are expected to attend after receiving formal letters that highlight prospects for business and political cooperation.

Invitations Arrive Amid Internal Party Debate

The letters emphasize pragmatic ties that could benefit both sides in a changing global landscape. One invitation, reviewed by party insiders, notes that Putin himself plans to participate in the event. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel had previously discouraged such trips ahead of western state elections earlier this year, citing potential voter backlash.

Yet the decision to proceed with senior figures like Frohnmaier suggests a recalibration. Party travel coordinator Stefan Keuter confirmed he would approve the requests, stating there is no political reason to block them. This shift aligns with renewed calls within the AfD for renewed energy cooperation with Moscow.

Forum Once Attracted Mainstream Leaders

Before 2014, the annual gathering in St. Petersburg drew high-profile German attendees, including then-Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2013. It earned the nickname “Putin’s Davos” for its focus on economic discussions and networking. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, most mainstream European politicians have stayed away.

The forum now serves as a platform primarily for those open to engagement with Russian authorities. AfD lawmaker Kotré attended a related BRICS conference in Sochi last November despite internal party pressure to cancel. His participation drew criticism but did not halt further outreach.

Eastern Elections Shape Party Calculations

Voters in the former East Germany show greater openness to closer relations with Russia, according to recent polling. The AfD currently leads in both states holding elections in September. Party leaders have used this sentiment to advocate for resuming affordable natural gas supplies from Russia.

The invitations arrive at a moment when the party seeks to balance its national image with regional priorities. Frohnmaier’s attendance could reinforce the AfD’s positioning in those eastern contests without directly challenging Weidel’s earlier caution in the west.

Practical Outcomes for Attendees

Participants can expect discussions on trade, energy, and bilateral projects during the multi-day program. The event typically includes sessions with Russian business leaders and government representatives. For the AfD lawmakers, the trip offers direct access to networks that mainstream German parties have largely avoided since 2014.

Keuter’s approval clears the way for the delegation to proceed without internal obstacles. The invitations frame the forum as an opportunity to advance shared interests in stability and economic exchange. Observers note that such contacts remain limited to smaller opposition groups across Europe.

The planned participation illustrates how select German politicians continue to engage with Russian forums even as broader European relations remain strained. It also reflects the AfD’s evolving approach to foreign policy ahead of key regional votes. Whether the trips yield concrete results will depend on the discussions that unfold in St. Petersburg.