AfD Deputy Leader Retracts Claims of Foreign Intelligence Contacts
Stefan Keuter withdraws statements regarding alleged ties to Russian and US intelligence agencies.
1Official Retraction Issued
Stefan Keuter, deputy leader of the AfD parliamentary group, has officially retracted his previous claims regarding contacts with foreign intelligence services. In a statement released on November 12, 2026, he labeled his earlier remarks as unintentionally misleading and factually incorrect. He explicitly denied that he or other party members maintain such connections.
2Initial Controversial Claims
During a press conference on November 2, 2026, Keuter had asserted that the AfD maintained deep networks within the US State Department and the administration of President Donald Trump. He further claimed similar high-level access to the Russian Foreign Ministry and their affiliated intelligence services, stating the party was treated as equals.
3Internal Party Pressure
Keuter faced significant backlash within the AfD following his initial comments. During a parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, he was reportedly criticized by internal figures, including interior policy spokesperson Gottfried Curio. Party leader Tino Chrupalla allegedly warned that such public statements could potentially expose the party to accusations of high treason.
4Parliamentary Reform Context
The timing of this retraction is linked to upcoming legislative activities in the German Bundestag. A spokesperson for the AfD group indicated that the topic of intelligence services is particularly sensitive as the parliament prepares to deliberate on reforms regarding these agencies this Friday, necessitating a clarification of the party's official stance.
5Ambiguity Remains
Despite the formal retraction, the original intent behind Keuter's initial claims remains unclear. It is not known whether he was referring to specific individuals or if the statements were intended as political posturing. The party has not provided further details on why such specific claims were made in the first place.
6Legal and Political Risks
The warning from party leadership regarding high treason highlights the severe legal implications of suggesting unauthorized ties to foreign intelligence agencies. In the German political landscape, such allegations can trigger intense scrutiny from domestic security authorities, potentially impacting the party's standing during sensitive legislative debates on national security and foreign policy.
7Broader Party Dynamics
This incident occurs amidst ongoing internal power struggles within the AfD regarding their stance on migration and deportation policies. The party leadership is currently navigating a complex environment where balancing radical rhetoric with parliamentary legitimacy is becoming increasingly difficult, as evidenced by the swift internal correction of Keuter's public statements.
8Significance of the Correction
The retraction serves as a damage-control measure to prevent the AfD from being sidelined during the upcoming intelligence reform debates. By distancing the party from claims of foreign espionage ties, the leadership aims to maintain its focus on its core political agenda while avoiding potential investigations into its international networking activities.