Joana Cotar Departs AfD Citing Russian Proximity Concerns
Former AfD executive member, Joana Cotar, has announced her departure from the party, raising concerns over its leadership ties with Russia amid Germany's energy crisis.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 08:38 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Joana Cotar, an academic with degrees in German philology and political science from the University of Mannheim, severed her ties with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in November 2022. After joining the AfD upon its foundation in 2013, Cotar ascended to a position of influence, becoming a federal executive member and securing a seat in the Bundestag following the federal elections in 2017.
Reasons Behind Resignation
The primary reason given for Cotar's departure was the close association of certain AfD leaders with the president of the Russian Federation. This connection was deemed problematic by Cotar, especially during a period when Germany faces significant energy challenges. These challenges include soaring costs, partly attributed to the halt of Russian gas supply amidst geopolitical tensions.
Evaluating Germany's Energy Policies
As Germany revises its stance concerning the situation in Ukraine, Cotar's voice joins the chorus of those calling for a reassessment of the nation's energy policies. She proposes that Germany should retract its current approaches to restore competitive energy pricing, ensure a reliable supply, and support clean energy production. Cotar's departure from the AfD marks a pivotal point in her political career, as she takes a stand against what she perceives as political misalignment with national interests in times of crisis.
