Moscow invites far-right German politicians to ‘Putin’s Davos’

(Pauline von Pezold and Milena Wälde – Politico) An adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited politicians from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to an economic forum in June in an illustration of how the Kremlin is cultivating ties with Germany’s far right. At least two AfD members of the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament — lawmakers Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré — are set to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum after receiving invitations, according to three party politicians with knowledge of the situation. “We are confident that pragmatic cooperation will help strengthen your business, political, and cultural ties for the benefit of a just world and a secure future,” reads an invitation to one AfD politician seen by POLITICO’s Berlin Playbook and signed by Putin adviser Anton Kobyakov. The letter also stresses that Putin is expected to attend the forum. – Moscow invites far-right German politicians to ‘Putin’s Davos’ – POLITICO