BERLIN (Reuters) – A co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, just one month before Germany’s federal election, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party said on Thursday. .
The invitation to Tino Shrubala follows Trump ally Elon Musk’s endorsement of the AfD and a discussion with co-leader Alice Weidel on the social media platform X, raising concerns about the US billionaire’s ambition to influence European politics.
Most opinion polls place the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in second place behind the conservatives ahead of elections scheduled for February 23 in Europe’s largest economy. However, the main parties have pledged not to work with the party, which is being monitored by security services on suspicion of being far-right.
“Attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration shows once again that we are implementing our interest-based policies,” Shrubala said in a statement.
He added, “We are ready as an alternative to be a strong partner on the European continent. Germany must maintain good and peaceful relations with all countries.”
Trump broke with precedent and invited several foreign leaders to the ceremony. Historically, they have not attended the inauguration due to security concerns and have sent diplomats in their stead.
However, the German government will be represented at the inauguration by its ambassador to the United States.
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