Tino Chrupalla
- Known for
- AfD co-chairman, pro-Russian views
- Born in
- Weißwasser, Germany
Tino Chrupalla is a leading figure in Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, serving as its co-chairman since 2019. A former master varnisher turned politician, his defining characteristic is his pro-Russian and anti-Western stance on foreign policy, often placing him at odds with mainstream German politics.
Signature Positions
Chrupalla's tenure as AfD co-chair has been marked by several controversial policy positions:
- Russia/Ukraine War: Opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine, calling for immediate ceasefire talks, and stating Russia has "won this war."
- NATO Membership: Has questioned Germany's NATO membership, suggesting the alliance must respect Russia's interests.
- Historical Revisionism: Cast doubt on official fatality counts for the Bombing of Dresden, aligning with narratives used by right-wing extremists.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Opposed mandatory mask-wearing and mandatory vaccinations, expressing skepticism about vaccine effectiveness.
- Israel-Palestine Conflict: Advocated an end to Germany's current relationship with Israel and arms exports during the Gaza war.
Notable Tensions
Chrupalla's political career is fraught with tensions and criticisms:
- Russia Ties: His repeated engagement with Russian officials, including laying wreaths in Moscow and attending Russian embassy events, draws consistent criticism regarding his pro-Moscow alignment.
- Historical Context: Statements regarding World War II fatalities and Nazi propaganda have been heavily criticized by historians and political rivals for echoing Joseph Goebbels' narratives.
- Internal AfD Division: His clear pro-Moscow stance has faced pushback even from within the AfD leadership, highlighting ongoing internal debate over foreign policy direction.
- Political Conduct: Faced scrutiny after refusing to listen to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to the Bundestag, calling him a "war and begging president."
Elected to the Bundestag in 2017, Chrupalla ascended rapidly, replacing Alexander Gauland as co-chair in 2019. He is characterized by some as relatively moderate within the AfD faction, yet his firm stance on border security and foreign policy solidifies the party’s far-right trajectory. His willingness to engage with controversial historical narratives distinguishes his approach to German identity.