Following the revelation that the FBI interrogated Alternative für Deutschland’s lead candidate for the European Parliament about possible payments from Russia, the European Greens are calling on the European Commission and Parliament to commit to speeding up the protective measures.
Der Spiegel and ZDF have revealed that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating suspicions that Maximilian Krah, European lead candidate for the AfD (ID group in the EP), has received money from Putin's network.
The Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo confirmed that MEPs had been paid by Putin's network on 28 March. The next day, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola's spokeswoman said: "The President is aware of the allegations and is looking into specific allegations.”
The Greens call for much more urgency on the dealings with Russian interference in the EU elections.
Terry Reintke, lead candidate for the European Greens, said: “There is a clear and present danger that MEPs paid by Russia will be elected, or re-elected in 7 weeks time, without being exposed. Citizens have the right to know exactly which MEPs are working for Putin. We ask for a firm commitment from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola (EPP), to speed up the investigation, and to share all the information that can be shared without harming the ongoing investigations.”
Bas Eickhout, lead candidate for the European Greens, added: “Russia is waging a propaganda war, with the intention to sabotage the European elections. The European Commission must step up its action to protect the European elections from Russian interference. The Digital Services Act gives the Commission the tools to do this. Huge social media companies should be forced by the Commission to take action against the spread of Russian disinformation.”
