Navigating the AfD's Divide on Russia: A Clash of Ideologies and Loyalties

The Moosdorf outcry has exposed the diverging positions within the AfD, Germany's far-right political party, on the issue of Russia. While some top officials have been critical of Moscow's actions, others have shown a pro-Russian stance, supporting a member of parliament's engagement with a Kremlin-linked academy in Moscow.

Bridging Cultures Through Music: A Controversial Professorship

A Musical Ambassador's Dilemma

Matthias Moosdorf, a member of the AfD, has accepted a professorship at a music school in Moscow, sparking a debate within the party. Moosdorf believes that "music knows no ideological boundaries" and that accepting the position is "a sign of understanding." He aims to give young people in Russia the feeling that they are not "left behind in Europe" and plans to visit the school regularly to teach chamber music.However, Moosdorf's engagement with the Russian institution has caught the attention of the AfD's parliamentary group leadership, who see it as a political issue. Bernd Baumann, a member of the group's committee, acknowledged that Russia is a world leader in classical music, but argued that a professorship there has to be judged differently than "a professorship somewhere abroad."

A Party Divided: Reactions and Consequences

The AfD's leadership has expressed concerns about Moosdorf's professorship, with the office of party co-leader Alice Weidel stating that nobody was enthusiastic about the appointment. According to reports, the party has banned Moosdorf from participating in two planned trips, one to Japan and another to Qatar, while advising him to give up the Russian professorship.However, not all members of the AfD share the leadership's critical stance. Jörg Urban, the party's leader in Saxony, congratulated Moosdorf on his new job, calling him a "peace ambassador" and stating that "Russia is not our enemy." Similarly, AfD MEP Arno Bausemer expressed support for Moosdorf, arguing that it is "much better to deliver music books to Russia than to deliver weapons to Ukraine."

The AfD's Ongoing Struggle with Russia

The Russia-friendly AfD has been embroiled in multiple scandals related to its ties with Moscow, including allegations of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda. These issues have not, however, fatally damaged the party's standing. In fact, the AfD ended up second in the European Union election in Germany and scored a historic win in the Thuringia state election.The Moosdorf case highlights the ongoing tensions within the AfD regarding its approach to Russia. While some party members advocate for a more conciliatory stance, others remain critical of Moscow's actions. This divide reflects the broader challenges the AfD faces in reconciling its nationalist and pro-Russian tendencies with the realities of international politics.