In Strong Statement, CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre Distances Party From Christine Anderson

InsightSpencerFernando

“The MPs were not aware of this visiting Member of the European Parliament’s opinions, and they regret meeting with her.”

In today’s world, we often see someone go viral for saying something we agree with, and then forget that there can be a much broader context beyond one clip.

Many people – myself included – have fallen into that trap from time to time.

And that seems to be the case with Christine Anderson.

Anderson, a Member of the European Parliament for the far-right AFD Party in Germany, went viral a while back for a speech slamming Justin Trudeau on lockdowns/civil liberties.

The speech resonated with many people, as it came at a time when many Canadians felt abandoned and felt our rights and freedoms were being taken away.

Unfortunately, the broader context here is that Anderson is part of a political party in Germany that is not at all consistent in defending civil liberties, and which has sought to normalize the ethno-nationalist rhetoric employed during Germany’s fascist era.

The party also has many links to anti-Semitism, and it’s criticism of Islam has often gone beyond legitimate debate over religious values and instead veered into outright demonization.

And – in keeping with a disturbing and growing trend – the AFD has also pushed a pro-Putin/pro-Russia narrative, seeking to blame the war in Ukraine on NATO and Ukraine itself, in defiance of all the facts.

So, when three CPC MPs met with Anderson, it unsurprisingly drew some negative attention to the party.

But, CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre has responded quickly with a strong statement distancing the party from Anderson, a statement that was also echoed by the three MPs who met with her:

We should give the benefit of the doubt to the MPs who met with Anderson.

None of those MPs have any history of backing the kinds of attitudes expressed by the AFD, and have in fact been strong defenders of the individual rights and liberties of the Canadian People.

Poilievre’s rapid and clear response shows where the Conservatives stand, and shows they will be careful in choosing their allies and denouncing attitudes that don’t fit with the idea of a truly strong and free Canada.

Spencer Fernando