Tomio Okamura, chairman of the Czech nationalist party Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), expressed his appreciation for the support from Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). He praised AfD’s strength in Germany and highlighted Petr Bystron’s Czech roots and friendship with SPD. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“Thanks for the support from our partner patriotic AfD,” said Okamura. “which is now the strongest party in Germany! Petr Bystroň, with Czech roots, is also active in it, and he is a friend of the Czech Republic and SPD.”
According to Reuters, Freedom and Direct Democracy is a Eurosceptic party that emphasizes sovereignty, border security, and direct democracy. The party aligns with AfD on issues such as migration and European Union centralization. Although SPD remains in opposition, it coordinates with allied parties domestically ahead of elections, highlighting a broader network of like-minded partners in Europe. This context provides insight into SPD leadership’s public acknowledgments of AfD support.
Reuters reports that AfD has experienced significant gains in Germany. In North Rhine-Westphalia local elections on September 14, 2025, AfD’s share more than tripled to 16.5% compared to 2020, indicating momentum in the country’s most populous state. Nationally, an INSA poll showed AfD tied with the conservative bloc at 25%, reflecting sustained support levels across Germany. These data points illustrate why some partners describe AfD as particularly strong at present and help frame supportive remarks from allied European figures.
Public scrutiny of AfD Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Petr Bystron has intensified recently. A report describes a German court fine against him related to a meme he shared, juxtaposed with broader media depictions of U.S. political figures—an episode cited as evidence of unequal treatment of dissident voices. Allied commentators argue that AfD figures face disproportionate penalties for online expression, which is relevant to SPD’s portrayal of Bystron as a friend and partner.
Okamura was born on July 4, 1972, in Tokyo and is a Czech politician and entrepreneur leading Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD). He has served in the Czech Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies since 2013 and previously sat in the Senate. Okamura founded SPD in 2015, advocating for direct democracy, national sovereignty, and strict migration controls.