Venstre’s Morten Løkkegaard has now expressed his support for Alexandra Sasha, who has been subjected to an extensive smear campaign. Løkkegaard, who is Venstre’s (The Left Party) lead candidate for the EU election, believes that B.T. (Berlingske Tidende) has put significant pressure on Sasha. After B.T.’s revelations of Sasha’s Russian connections, she chose to withdraw from politics. Løkkegaard initially commented on her decision by saying that it was wise of her to step down, but his statements have now taken on a new tone. During a lead candidate debate organized by DR and TV 2, he explained his position on B.T. and said: “She has been subjected to death threats and an extensive smear campaign, and in that light, I think it is wise of her to withdraw.” Løkkegaard emphasized that he has never discussed Russia with Sasha, but only advised her to be a candidate for the EU election during her visit to Brussels earlier this year.
Morten Løkkegaard is not the only Venstre’s profile who has defended Sasha. Jan E. Jørgensen has also criticized B.T.’s revelations and called them a “campaign.” In the past week, B.T. has revealed that Sasha has played a central role in the European Russian Forum, which according to experts, is characterized as pro-Russian and Putin-friendly. Sasha has been a representative and board member of the forum’s youth organization and has attended several meetings organized by a former agent of the Russian intelligence service FSB. Additionally, B.T. has uncovered that Sasha has had meetings with Boris Titov, who is considered a key figure in Vladimir Putin’s inner circle and involved in corruption. Finally, in a candidate test, Sasha stated that the EU should not donate necessary weapons to Ukraine.