Tino Chrupalla

Tino Chrupalla is a German politician who has served as a member of the Bundestag for the Görlitz constituency since 2017 and as federal co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) since 2019. A former master painter and decorator, he rose to prominence within the AfD as a representative of its national-conservative wing, often focusing on economic and social policies for eastern Germany. His leadership has been marked by efforts to consolidate the party's direction following internal disputes and electoral successes, particularly in the federal states of the former East Germany.

Early life and education

Tino Chrupalla was born on 14 April 1975 in Weißwasser, a town in the Free State of Saxony then part of East Germany. He completed an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator, later becoming a master craftsman in the field. His professional training continued at the Berufsakademie Sachsen in Bautzen, where he studied business administration. Before entering politics, Chrupalla ran his own painting business in his home region of Saxony, an experience that he frequently cites as shaping his views on small and medium-sized enterprises and the economic challenges in post-reunification Germany.

Political career

Chrupalla joined the Alternative for Germany shortly after its founding in 2013, initially engaging at the local level in Saxony. He was elected to the Bundestag in the 2017 German federal election, winning the direct mandate for the Görlitz constituency, a seat previously held by Michael Kretschmer of the CDU. In the Bundestag, he served on the Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy and became a spokesman for his party on SME policy. Following the resignation of Jörg Meuthen, Chrupalla was elected federal co-chairman alongside Alice Weidel at the party conference in Braunschweig in November 2019, a role that positioned him as a key figure in the AfD's national leadership and its outreach in eastern Germany.

Political positions

Chrupalla's political platform is characterized by a focus on national-conservative and economically protectionist policies. He advocates for stronger support for German industry, particularly the Mittelstand, and has been critical of the European Union's Green Deal and energy policies, which he argues harm German competitiveness. On social issues, he emphasizes traditional family values and stricter immigration controls, aligning with the AfD's broader platform. He is a vocal proponent of fostering stronger ties with Russia and has criticized sanctions against the Russian Federation, a stance that has drawn significant controversy. In European policy, he supports a "Europe of Fatherlands" and is skeptical of further integration within the European Union.

Controversies

Chrupalla has been involved in several controversies, largely stemming from his associations and statements. He has faced criticism for attending events with members of the Identitarian movement and for meeting with representatives of the Russian government, including officials from United Russia, following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. His rhetoric, which sometimes includes warnings about the "Islamization" of Germany and criticisms of the federal government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been accused of bordering on extremism by opponents like the Amadeu Antonio Foundation. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has placed parts of the AfD, including its youth wing Young Alternative for Germany, under surveillance, casting a shadow over Chrupalla's leadership.

Personal life

Tino Chrupalla is married to Jenny Chrupalla, and the couple has two children. He resides in his hometown region of Weißwasser in Saxony. Outside of politics, he maintains an interest in local history and is a supporter of the football club BSG Chemie Leipzig. In November 2020, he was the victim of an assault in Ingolstadt, an incident that was widely condemned across the German political spectrum, including by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz of the CDU.

Category:Alternative for Germany politicians Category:Members of the Bundestag Category:1975 births