Germany's far-right AfD faces major spy scandals ahead of June 2024 European elections, including arrests and investigations linking members to Chinese and Russian intelligence, shaking its patriotic image and voter base.

The AfD party's electoral campaign in Germany ahead of the June 2024 European elections has been shaken by multiple scandals involving espionage and foreign influence. Maximilian Krah’s assistant was arrested for spying on behalf of Chinese secret services, and Krah himself is suspected of ties with China and Russia. Petr Bystron faces investigation over alleged funding from pro-Russian networks. Belgian authorities’ searches related to Guillaume Pradoura link some AfD members to Kremlin disinformation efforts in Europe. These developments call into question AfD's claims of patriotism, damaging the party’s reputation and raising doubts among voters. Additional controversies include high-profile trials over Nazi-related rhetoric and protests against plans to deport thousands, further eroding legitimacy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that AfD cooperates with Russian and Chinese propaganda aimed at societal division. Analysts note that while AfD may increase its European Parliament vote beyond the 11% achieved in 2019, gains are likely to be more modest as undecided voters reconsider support in light of these scandals amid a politically divided German government.