NYT: ‘“He [Friedrich Merz] lacks the trust of his citizens,” Mr. Putin said, “and the reason is clear: He does not defend national interests, but trades them away.” It was a well-known argument to Germans, because it is also a favorite talking point of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or the AfD, and of the Russia-friendly supporters who propelled the party to a blowout victory in (…) in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.’

And: ‘AfD leaders accused Mr. Merz of forsaking Germany’s domestic concerns to send arms to Ukraine and to engage in a risky and costly defense buildup. They have argued that sanctions are hurting Germany more than Russia; that Germany should resume cheap Russian gas deliveries to revive its economy; and that Western leaders are to blame for the war in Ukraine.’

Both Putin and Trump love the AfD. But the AfD loves Putin more than it loves Trump.

(a sf 2231)