The Ideology Behind Germany's Far Right Surge Hans Thomas Tillschneider, the 48 year old politician instrumental in shaping the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party's radical agenda, has a background that belies his current stance as a pro Russian ideologue.
Born to ethnic German parents in Romania, he developed an interest in Islam during university and even traveled to Syria. His academic credentials are impressive, including a thesis on an 18th century Muslim jurist.
Tillschneider's ideas have largely inspired the AFD's agenda, which includes denying the urgency of climate change and promoting anti immigration policies.