Danish EU candidate accused of links with Moscow withdraws from the race

3 months ago 16

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News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

According to the latest polls, the far-right, split into two parties, has more than 17% of the vote, while the Liberals have 12.5%, almost half their 2019 result. [EPA-EFE/IDA MARIE ODGAARD]

The Liberal candidate in the Danish European elections, Alexandra Sasha (Venstre/Renew Europe), announced on Thursday that she was withdrawing from the race after the press reported that she had links to Russia, allegations she has denied.

“For weeks, I have been subjected to a smear campaign full of false statements and unpleasant interpretations, which has been both physically and mentally difficult, and I must now admit that I can’t take it anymore,” the 28-year-old entrepreneur wrote on Facebook.

The tabloid BT reported that the former candidate was a member of the board of directors of the Russian European Forum, a youth organisation seen by experts as pro-Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I have always expressed my support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people’s struggle for freedom loud and clear,” Sasha said, adding she had given up politics.

Danish voters will elect 15 MEPs on 9 June.

According to the latest polls, the far-right, split into two parties, has more than 17% of the vote, while the Liberals have 12.5%, almost half their 2019 result.

In the last European elections, 66% of Danish voters went to the polls.

(Charles Szumski | Euractiv.com)