Kirill Dmitriev, advisor to the President of Russia on international economic cooperation, made a public appeal to the German party 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD), proposing economic cooperation in the event of its success in the elections. On his page on the social network X, Dmitriev stated that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern would once again be able to receive 'affordable and reliable gas' through the 'Nord Stream' system if supplies were restored through joint efforts with the AfD. He also promised lower energy prices, new jobs, and accelerated economic growth. The statement came a day before the elections to the regional parliaments of Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where, according to recent polls, the AfD remains one of the main contenders for a strong result. Russia has repeatedly stated its readiness to resume gas supplies to Germany if the sanctions policy changes. After the explosions in 2022, only one of the four strands of the 'Nord Stream' system remained intact, but it is not in operation. Dmitriev also commented on a publication by AfD co-chair Alice Weidel, who called for political change in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, stating that Germany no longer needs an 'energy and industrial self-destructive course.' The day before, Reuters reported, citing informed sources, that the AfD leadership is preparing a meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, during which the issue of resuming Russian gas supplies may be discussed. According to the agency, negotiations are planned for spring next year. Representatives of the AfD and Dmitriev did not comment on this information. At the same time, Reuters emphasizes that the AfD does not have the authority to make decisions independently in the field of energy policy. Such issues fall within the competence of the federal government of Germany, and other parliamentary parties continue to exclude cooperation with the AfD when forming a federal coalition. However, the party consistently advocates for the restoration of energy cooperation with Russia. In particular, Alice Weidel had previously stated the need to restore supplies of Russian oil and gas, and in its election programs, the AfD called for the lifting of energy sanctions and the resumption of 'Nord Stream' operations.
