Germany’s AfD expels Hamburg lawmaker Robert Risch over participation in far-right congress in St. Petersburg

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has expelled Hamburg state lawmaker Robert Risch from its parliamentary group after he attended an international gathering of radical nationalists and neo-Nazis in St. Petersburg, organized by associates of Russian Orthodox oligarch Konstantin Malofeev. The regional AfD branch has also launched internal proceedings that could lead to Risch’s expulsion from the party.

On Sept. 12, at the Mariinsky Palace in St. Petersburg, Russian and foreign far-right and neo-Nazi groups teamed up to found the “Paladins” League of International Anti-Globalists. Among its initiators were Malofeev and ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin. Photographs from the event show Risch among the attendees.

The German politician claimed he ended up at the congress “by accident” during a trip arranged by acquaintance Olga Petersen, a former AfD lawmaker in Hamburg who now lives in Russia. Petersen also attended the meeting. Risch said he was unaware of the participants’ affiliations and had “simply spoken for peace in Europe.” However, The Insider spotted the fact that Hungary’s nationalist movement “64 Counties” published a report indicating that Risch took part not as a private individual, but as a representative of the German party. The report mentioned a delegation from an unnamed German organization, and no other German groups were present. Risch was photographed while seated behind a nameplate reading “Germany.”

AfD leaders in Hamburg said Risch’s actions violated party rules on foreign travel and contacts with lobbyists. Dirk Nockemann, head of the Hamburg AfD branch and parliamentary group, said Risch “deceived the party and showed no self-criticism.” “We will not allow ourselves to be deceived and will respond with appropriate severity,” Nockemann said.

However, the internal disciplinary process could take time, as Risch has the right to appeal within AfD’s arbitration bodies. A similar procedure was previously launched against Olga Petersen, who has publicly expressed support for Russian authorities.

The Insider reported in detail on the Sept. 12 far-right congress in St. Petersburg, which, under Malofeev’s patronage, brought together radical nationalists and neo-Nazis from 14 countries, from Hungary to Argentina.