Matthias Moosdorf, an AfD MP, faces internal pressure due to his honorary professorship in Russia, prompting speculation about his dismissal as foreign policy spokesperson. Uniquely, Moosdorf, a cellist, advocates for Russian relations, even promoting music as a diplomatic tool. His pro-Russian stance and past actions, including a visit to St. Petersburg, have attracted scrutiny. Despite pushback from party members labeling him a liar and criticizing his “ego trips,” the AfD’s alignment with Russia remains strong, with potential successor Stefan Keuter also having close ties to Russia.
AfD representative Matthias Moosdorf faces internal pressure due to his honorary professorship in Russia. Reports suggest he may be removed from his position as the party’s foreign policy spokesperson, according to sources from ARD-Hauptstadtstudio.
Matthias Moosdorf is a rather distinctive figure within the AfD, primarily due to his profession as a cellist. He frequently discusses music, often emphasizing its role as a diplomatic tool, and is particularly passionate about fostering reconciliation with Russia.
In his YouTube videos, he praises German classical music as a means of promoting peace, quoting Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’: ‘All men will become brothers, where your gentle wing rests,’ while framing his involvement with Russia as a step towards reconciliation.
‘Those who confront Russia will meet a grim fate’
Moosdorf adopts a notably pro-Russian stance, even by AfD standards. In the Bundestag, he vehemently opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine, ominously predicting that anyone who confronts Russia would meet a fate akin to ‘Napoleon in 1812 or even worse than 1945.’
In 2023, following the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, he traveled to St. Petersburg for a business dialogue at the invitation of Russian officials and later praised the city on his YouTube channel, claiming, ‘You won’t find a European city as clean, as technically innovative, and as well developed infrastructure-wise.’
Russian state media have celebrated the outcome of the regional elections in Germany as a victory.
AfD’s Limits Have Been Reached
Moosdorf is not a minor member of the party; he is the foreign policy spokesperson and successor to Petr Bystron, who is under scrutiny for allegedly accepting funds from Russia. Now, Moosdorf may also lose his position due to his close—perhaps overly close—ties to Russia.
When the faction board meets next Monday, Moosdorf’s situation will likely be a significant topic of discussion. The faction has been reviewing this matter in recent weeks. A resolution regarding the ‘Moosdorf case,’ obtained by ARD-Hauptstadtstudio, states that his connection to Russia is ‘damaging to the reputation of the faction and the party.’
An Issue with Moscow
What’s the problem? Moosdorf has accepted an honorary professorship in Russia and intends to teach part-time at the internationally renowned Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow.
In a statement to the faction board, Moosdorf rejects the notion that this connection is harmful. He calls these claims factually incorrect and emphasizes that his professional activities are a ‘private matter.’
The foreign policy spokesperson asserts, ‘My neutrality is established by the fact that I appear everywhere I am invited in my scarce free time without any political bias.’ Regarding his honorary professorship, he states that it is an ‘honor’ and ‘by definition, not associated with monetary compensation.’
According to a report by Spiegel, the AfD maintains close ties to Moscow.
Is Moosdorf Spreading ‘Falsehoods’?
The issue lies in the fact that many within the faction doubt his statements. The term ‘liar’ has been frequently directed at Moosdorf, particularly within the foreign affairs working group. In a motion to remove him as the group leader, it is cited that he operates ‘regularly with falsehoods’ and attempts to create facts ‘bypassing agreed communication channels.’
Recently, the faction was particularly incensed that Moosdorf traveled to Moscow this year despite being explicitly prohibited from doing so. Reports indicate he also met with members of the Duma and received a fine of 1,000 euros, which he allegedly refused to pay. Consequently, he has had two more trips to Qatar and Japan canceled, as reported by AfD insiders.
Three Bavarian AfD representatives traveled to Russia as ‘election observers,’ despite warnings from the party leadership.
A Cozy Relationship with Russia as Party Policy
Moosdorf is by no means the only AfD member with ties to Russia. In fact, close Russian connections are considered the norm within the party; a friendly approach to Russia constitutes party policy.
The AfD consistently advocates for strong ties with the country. This past summer, party leader Chrupalla called for an end to sanctions against Russia. Recently, Petr Bystron and Maximilian Krah were suspected of meeting with Russian money couriers.
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