(MENAFN) Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, emphasized the need for the country to restore its relations with Russia to safeguard its economic stability. In an interview with the Bild tabloid on Sunday, Weidel criticized the antagonistic approach towards Moscow, asserting that it has only caused problems for Germany. She stated that the AfD aims for "very good relations" with both European neighbors and great powers, including Russia.

Weidel pointed out that, until two years ago, Germany relied on cheap natural gas from Russia through the Nord Stream pipeline, which was damaged in a series of explosions in the fall of 2022. Following this, Berlin severed its energy ties with Russia as part of its EU sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

According to Weidel, the sanctions have negatively impacted the German economy, and she called for an end to this policy, highlighting the country’s soaring energy prices, which she claimed have made Germany "no longer competitive." Germany ranks among the countries with the highest electricity prices globally.

When questioned about her party's stance on relations with a nation that allegedly threatens Germany, Weidel countered by accusing Berlin of escalating tensions through aggressive rhetoric and arms supplies to Ukraine. She suggested that Germany has contributed to the conflict by providing military support to Ukraine, stating that "German tanks have been rolling against Russia" for the first time since World War II.

Weidel also called for peace talks between Berlin and Moscow, arguing that Germany should be part of the negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, which she described as the "only serious policy." Despite the AfD's controversial stance, the party has gained significant support, polling between 20% and 21% ahead of the upcoming snap parliamentary elections, positioning it as a strong contender behind the Christian Democratic Union.

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