Erika Steinbach

Erika Steinbach, born on July twenty-fifth, nineteen forty-three, is a prominent German politician and non-fiction writer known for her right-wing views. She served as a member of the Bundestag from nineteen ninety until two thousand seventeen, representing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for over four decades. During her tenure, she held significant positions, including a member of the CDU national board from two thousand to two thousand ten and the CDU/CSU's spokeswoman on human rights and humanitarian aid from two thousand five to two thousand seventeen.

Steinbach is recognized for her socially conservative stance, opposing both abortion and same-sex marriage. Her political career took a pivotal turn during the European migrant crisis when she publicly criticized Chancellor Angela Merkel's policies. In January two thousand seventeen, she left the CDU over disagreements regarding migration, subsequently serving as an independent member of the Bundestag until she chose not to run in the September two thousand seventeen federal election.

Following her departure from the Bundestag, Steinbach endorsed the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, although she did not formally join. In two thousand eighteen, she became the President of the Desiderius-Erasmus-Stiftung, a political foundation associated with the AfD. Additionally, she has been a long-time member of the German-Israeli Association, advocating for pro-Israeli policies and often criticizing the German Foreign Office for its stance on anti-Israeli resolutions at the United Nations.

Beyond her political endeavors, Steinbach served as the president of the Federation of Expellees from nineteen ninety-eight to two thousand fourteen. Interestingly, before embarking on her political journey, she studied music and was an active member of concert orchestras, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.