Alternative for Germany (AfD) lead candidate Maximilian Krah has been excluded from the party’s faction within the European Parliament.
Mere hours after its formation, the delegation voted to exclude the controversial politician in an apparent attempt to win favour with Marine Le Pen’s Identity and Democracy group, which had excluded the German party in May after it was plagued by a series of scandals involving Krah.
Speaking to the German media, he expressed disappointment in the decision, describing it as a “tactical error”.
“I think that is strategically wrong and I think it sends the wrong signal,” he said.
“A party that represents German interests in Brussels should not allow foreign parties to dictate who it will run with.”
Krah went on to claim partial responsibility for the party’s electoral gains on June 9, especially in regard to its increased vote share among Germany’s youth, before adding that he would keep on working to further AfD’s goals within the European Parliament.
He also praised rising star René Aust MEP, who took over a number of his duties after the lead stepped back from the EP election campaign over allegations of espionage being levelled at one of his parliamentary assistants.
“I wish my colleagues the best of luck in the negotiations with the RN,” he said, adding that he was taking the decision “without bitterness”.
“Mr Aust is an honourable man.”
