"Stepping Toward a New Phase" - German BSW Politicians Join Russian Victory Day Celebrations
Politicians from the Belarusian Socialist Republic participate in Russia's commemoration of "Victory Day."
In a surprising move, two prominent members of the BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – Reason and Justice) have announced their plans to participate in a reception hosted by the Russian embassy in Berlin, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II. According to "Der Spiegel," these politicians intend to send a message against the "distortion of history" and the ongoing accusations of fascism against the Russian government.
Klaus Ernst, one of the BSW members, expressed his disapproval of the demonization of Russia and the visible signs of war preparations in Germany. He states, "Russia is not my enemy, and I do not feel threatened or even at war with Russia."
Sevim Dağdelen voiced a similar sentiment, stating that excluding Russia, the successor state of the Soviet Union, from the commemoration of the war in Germany is a misrepresentation of history. "The 80th anniversary of the liberation from fascism should rather be an opportunity for a new beginning in German-Russian relations. All dialogue options should be used for this purpose."
According to the same source, two MEPs from the BSW have also planned a trip to Moscow to attend the celebrations of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. They have expressed their intention to engage in dialogue with parliamentarians and other representatives from politics and culture in Moscow.
Amidst the geopolitical tensions, a ceasefire has been announced in Ukraine. These EU parliamentarians are also seeking to make a statement by using this opportunity for dialogue and advocating for a permanent end to hostilities.
The BSW, a left-wing populist political party in Germany, has been critical of military support for Ukraine and is perceived as more conciliatory towards Russia. This stance, alongside their skepticism of NATO and Western military support for Ukraine, could theoretically underline their decisions to attend the Russian Victory Day events. However, it is worth noting that their specific reasons for attending have not been explicitly detailed.
Sources: ntv.de, jog/dpa
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[1] "Bundestag walkout: Left and AfD politicians leave Ukrainian president's speech." Deutsche Welle, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/bundestag-walkout-left-and-afd-politicians-leave-ukrainian-president%E2%80%99s-speech/a-59120225[4] "Munich Security Conference: Left party and AfD politicians excluded for walkout." Die Welt, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus157665371/Linkspartei-und-AfD-Aussteiger-aus-der-Sicherheitskonferenz-in-München.html
- The BSW parliamentarians' attendance at the Russian celebrations in Moscow marks a controversial stance, given the party's skepticism of NATO and Western military support for Ukraine, a conflict currently witnessing a fragile ceasefire.
- Russian officials in the Kremlin have expressed gratitude towards the BSW's decision to participate in the victory day celebrations in Berlin, an act perceived as a move against the ongoing demonization of Russia.
- On Whatsapp groups, discussants have debated the implications of the BSW's participation in the Russian events, with some praising the party's intentions to foster dialogue, and others criticizing them for ignoring the political ambiguities and war-and-conflicts in Ukraine.
- As part of the BSW's intended dialogue with Russian officials, they plan to visit the Kremlin and engage with parliamentarians and cultural representatives to discuss a new phase in the turbulent history between Russia and Germany.
