German Politician Moosdorf Has An Honorary Professorship In Moscow

Reports of connections between the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and Russia continue, with Matthias Moosdorf, the party's foreign policy spokesperson in the Bundestag, recently confirming his position as an honorary professor at the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow. Moosdorf, a cellist, stated that the honorary professorship, which he began in September, reflects his work as a globally active chamber musician and has previously held guest professorships.

He described the position as a "sign of understanding," aiming to make young musicians in Russia feel connected to Europe, asserting that "music knows no ideological borders."

Moosdorf visited Moscow for three days in September for an inaugural lecture, intending to teach chamber music quarterly. He noted that discussions about a formal contract are pending, with the academy funded by the Russian Ministry of Culture.

Konstantin von Notz, deputy parliamentary leader of the Green Party, criticized Moosdorf’s ties to Moscow, questioning how he can credibly serve as a foreign policy spokesperson while accepting financial support from a regime like Russia's.