AfD Leader Chrupalla Defends Putin, Claims Persecution in Lanz Interview
Berlin – Choice for Germany (AfD) Chairman Tino Chrupalla ignited controversy during a 2024/03/21 appearance on Markus Lanz’s ZDF talk show, defending Russian President Vladimir Putin and leveling accusations of political persecution against himself, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, and Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of teh BSW party.The exchange, centering on Germany’s relationship with Russia and the war in Ukraine, underscored the AfD’s increasingly pro-Russian stance and Chrupalla’s narrative of victimhood.
The interview gained immediate attention as Chrupalla clashed with the host and implicitly defended Schröder, who has faced criticism for his continued ties to Russia and work with state-owned energy companies. The debate unfolded against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing scrutiny of far-right political movements across Europe, raising questions about the AfD’s foreign policy objectives and its potential influence on German public opinion.The stakes are high as Germany grapples with its energy security, its role in supporting Ukraine, and the rise of populist sentiment at home.
Chrupalla vehemently rejected claims that Schröder had “sold out Germany to Russia,” as suggested by Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza. Kara-Murza promptly clarified he had stated Schröder “sold himself to putin,” a distinction Chrupalla nonetheless dismissed, asserting Schröder was “the last federal chancellor who represented Germany’s interests.”
The AfD chairman further claimed he, Wagenknecht, and schröder are all listed on a ”death list” compiled by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, a claim that remains unverified. Chrupalla positioned himself and his political allies as “persecuted” figures, alleging surveillance, ostracization, and wiretapping, particularly given his position as AfD chairman.”If I’m not being listened to – who then?” he asked.
[Image of vladimir Kara-Murza with caption: Kremlin-Kritiker Wladimir Kara-Mursa (44). Photo: Markus Hertrich/ZDF]
