German Court Orders AfD to Repay €2.35 Million in Illegal Donation

A Berlin court has ordered Alternative for Germany (AfD) to return €2.35 million after ruling that the party accepted the donation in violation of campaign finance regulations ahead of last year’s election. The judgment requires the full repayment of funds that had already been spent during the campaign cycle.

According to the Financial Times, the case represents the largest such repayment demanded of the party to date.

The court determined that the contribution did not meet the strict criteria for permissible donations under German law. Judges concluded the manner in which the party accepted the funds breached applicable regulations governing political contributions. The ruling ends a legal battle over the record sum. The party has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision.

In parallel developments drawn from the same reporting period, AfD has held meetings with the German and Israeli ambassadors over the past several months. These engagements form part of the party’s effort to build diplomatic relationships and shift perceptions internationally.

No details were released about the specific content of the discussions. France 24 reported that the outreach reflects a broader strategy by the party to court mainstream diplomatic channels ahead of the vote.

German authorities have pursued multiple cases against AfD regarding its funding practices in recent years. The €2.35 million judgment stands as the largest single repayment ordered so far. Repayment is expected to affect the party’s financial resources following the election campaign.

The meetings with the envoys occurred as the party seeks to project an image aligned with conventional political norms.