"There really is a demand for change in Germany"

Energy and climate policy, deindustrialization, and migration measures were the main reasons for the victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt. This was stated to Izvestia by Bundestag deputy Matthias Mosdorf. According to him, current energy prices cannot guarantee the German industry's international competitiveness, and the high cost of resources has become the main reason for the flight of businesses and factories from Germany. The AFD's victory in the land elections reflects citizens' desire for change: voters are extremely disappointed that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, is not fulfilling its promises. Is a coalition between the AFD and the CDU possible and how can Germany's relations with Russia change now — in an exclusive interview with Matthias Mosdorf.

"Dragging Germany into a military conflict is not our business"

— In the elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the AFD received about 44% of the vote, which is a historical maximum for the party. Did you expect such a bright victory?

— Yes, we were counting on this, because there really is a demand for change in Germany. And I was pleased that it happened on such a scale. It is noteworthy not only the figure itself, but also the incredible mobilization: we managed to bring people to the polling stations who had not voted for the AFD before. This includes young people, the academic community, and, what is very important for us, a lot of women voted for the AfD.

— What are the deep reasons for this success?

— The terrible destructive policies of the old parties, starting with migration, deindustrialization, and senseless energy and climate policies. And, of course, we have made it clear that dragging Germany into a military conflict is by no means our business. All other parties, perhaps with the exception of the Sarah Wagenknecht Union, dream of "strangling" Russia with sanctions. We advocate that relations should be normalized again.

— Is this due to the fact that people are disappointed with the unfulfilled promises of the CDU and Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding reforms?

— Of course, it's related to that too.

— The leadership of the AFD has announced its intention to invite all parties to negotiations on forming a coalition in Saxony-Anhalt. Are there any chances of an alliance with the CDU?

— No, the chances are very slim. I would rate them as zero.

- why?

— Because the CDU does not want this, and it adheres to the firewall policy (taboo on cooperation with the AFD. — Izvestia) in order to continue to rule at the federal level. If they reject it, the SPD will withdraw from the coalition in Berlin.

— Sarah Wagenknecht's party, the Union for Social Justice and Economic Reasonableness (SSR), is the only political force that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD. How great are the chances of their coalition?

— I would not use the word "coalition". There is a high probability that the CER will, under certain circumstances, be tolerant of the Government of the AfD. It is also likely that on certain substantive issues, some representatives of the CDU and the CER will vote for the initiatives of the AfD. We'll see if this will manifest itself in the election of the prime minister of [earth]. I find a coalition difficult, but cooperation is possible.

— But would it be the best option for the AfD to form a ruling coalition with the CER?

— "On paper" is the only option, since all other parties have unequivocally ruled out such a possibility.

Alternative integration: the success of the AfD in the elections may increase pressure on the party

How will the result of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt region affect the Merz government

"I do not rule out that attempts will be made to restore the threads of dialogue"

— The elections in Saxony-Anhalt have shown that the topics that the AFD actively defends — peace initiatives, the revision of sanctions, the cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine and the restoration of pragmatic relations with Russia — find a great response from voters. If a government is formed in Saxony-Anhalt, will the AfD be able to exert more influence on Berlin and its foreign policy?

— Yes, I proceed from that. Of course, foreign policy is Berlin's business, not Saxony-Anhalt's. But we will be able to defend our position regarding bilateral negotiations, including those related to economic agreements. We need to ensure that it reaches Berlin as well. I think it's no secret that the AfD stands for normalizing the situation.

— How can the results of the September 6 elections affect the position of official Berlin on the Ukrainian crisis? Will this force the federal government to adjust course?

— No, I don't think so. The Federal Government continues its policy stubbornly, like a child. They would not have changed it even if the United States and Russia had agreed in principle to end the conflict. We see that now the EU and [Vladimir] Zelensky are doing the exact opposite.

— If a ruling coalition led by the AFD is formed in Saxony-Anhalt, will this mean the restoration of German ties with Russia at least at the regional level?

— I proceed from this.

— Are visits by the authorities of Saxony-Anhalt to Russia possible?

— It will depend on the specific projects. I do not rule out that attempts will indeed be made to restore the threads of the dialogue.

Exchange with cancellation: what will happen to the closure of the Goethe-Institut in Russia

A look at the fate of the Russian-German cultural dialogue is presented in the author's material by Evgenia Pimenova, an ex—employee of the Russian House in Berlin, a publicist and historian

"Germany's refusal to supply Russian gas is a mistake"

— Will the issue of closing the Russian House in Berlin be discussed within the AFD faction?

— We have no influence on this. We cannot make such decisions at the regional level. But you have seen that the "Leftists", Ms. [Sevim] Dagdelen held a demonstration in Berlin. I have already spoken about this. I think it's all a mistake. If only because such important forms of cooperation as education, science, culture, and sports must be preserved. In all known conflicts of the past, they persisted without exception. Now they've made an exception, and I think it's wrong. I should have done the opposite.

— Do you and your party members support the protests over the closure of the Russian House?

— We haven't discussed this yet. Right now, I can only express my personal opinion. Everything else will depend on how this issue is discussed by colleagues in the faction.

— The Hamburg Court has decided to begin a full-fledged trial in the case of Ukrainian citizen "Sergei K.", who is suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream bombings in 2022. You previously demanded that the German government support the creation of an independent international commission under the auspices of the United Nations to investigate the Nord Stream explosions. Does this initiative still stand?

— We cannot assess this, because as a party we are not involved in this process. Justice in Germany is virtually independent, and this is a matter for the relevant prosecutor's office and the courts. But I assume that the pressure will be strong enough for the investigation to actually be launched and brought to an end.

— But it was your initiative.

— Yes, I know. But we can only take the initiative. We can't define it, and we can't force anyone to. We only pointed out that it is advisable to investigate such terrorist acts under the auspices of international commissions. This was the case, for example, after the terrorist attack over the city of Lockerbie or in the case of flight MH17. It's always the same story — an attempt at an international investigation. And how exactly it is conducted is another matter. In the case of MH17, for example, Russia was completely excluded, and the investigation was conducted only by the Netherlands and Malaysia.

— Was Germany's refusal to supply long-term Russian pipeline gas a mistake?

— Yes, of course, it's a mistake. If only because we still receive this gas, only now we receive it from America. At the same time, we have contracts with Russia, if I remember correctly, they are called Take-or-Pay ("Take or pay"). This means that even if we do not take gas, we are still obliged to fulfill the contract. And the fact that we are now paying much larger amounts through workarounds than before with direct supplies from Russia is an anachronism in a shrinking economy.

— What consequences could a new sharp rise in gas prices have for the industry in Saxony and, in particular, in your Zwickau district?

"I can't say that. But the general trend is this: when companies leave Germany, they are always asked about the reasons. And in the first place, along with high personnel and social expenses, energy costs in Germany are invariably too high. They no longer provide international competitiveness for industry.