Far-right grouping in European Parliament expels high-flying Alternative for Germany party
A German far-right party set for big gains in upcoming European elections has suffered another setback after it was expelled from a right-wing group in the European Parliament
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A German far-right party set for big gains in upcoming European elections suffered another setback on Thursday when it was expelled from a right-wing group in the European Parliament.
The Identity and Democracy group decided to expel Alternative for Germany from the group with immediate effect, the Italian La Lega party, which is a member of the group, said in a statement. Alternative for Germany said it “acknowledged” the decision.
The move comes amid growing controversy surrounding Alternative for Germany’s lead candidate for the European election, Maximilan Krah.
On Wednesday, the party barred Krah from making any further campaign appearances after he told an Italian newspaper that not all members of the Nazis’ elite SS unit, which was involved in major war crimes during World War II, were war criminals.
Krah had already been under scrutiny after authorities in Brussels searched his offices at the European Parliament in connection with one of his assistants who was arrested last month on suspicion of spying for China.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.