Putin's Envoy Offers AfD Cooperation on Nord Stream Gas

Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president's special envoy for international economic cooperation, offered to cooperate with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of Sunday's election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The AfD and the Social Democrats, led by State Premier Manuela Schwesig, are in a tight race for victory. The AfD had led in the polls for several months, but the Social Democrats gained ground toward the end of the campaign.

"Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will thrive again when affordable, reliable Nord Stream gas returns through joint work with AfD", Dmitriev wrote. He cited lower energy bills, more jobs and higher economic growth.

Moscow has previously offered to resume supplies of cheap gas once sanctions are lifted. Of the four original Nord Stream lines, only one remained undamaged after the explosions in 2022, and it is not in use. The election result will not directly affect supplies, however, as Russian pipeline gas is subject to European Union sanctions.

Dmitriev, who is also involved in negotiations with the United States on ending the war in Ukraine, is planning a business forum for 2027 with representatives from Germany, the US and Russia. According to him, more than 20 German companies have expressed interest. Moscow denies interfering in the elections of other countries.

(dpa, bak)