Ingo Wellenreuther (born 5 September 1970) is a German politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He served as a member of the Bundestag, representing the Karlsruhe‑Land constituency in the state of Baden‑Württemberg, from 2002 until 2021.
Early life and education
Wellenreuther was born in Karlsruhe, West Germany. He pursued legal studies at the University of Heidelberg, where he obtained his first state examination in law. He subsequently completed the second state examination and earned a doctorate (Dr. jur.) with a dissertation on public law topics. Following his academic training, he worked as a lawyer and later as a public prosecutor.
Political career
- Bundestag membership (2002–2021): Wellenreuther entered the federal parliament in the 2002 federal election, succeeding predecessor Matthias Wissmann. He was re‑elected in subsequent elections (2005, 2009, 2013, 2017) and represented the Karlsruhe‑Land district.
- Committee work: Throughout his tenure, he was a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. He also served on the Subcommittee on the United Nations, International Organizations and Civil Crisis Prevention.
- Spokespersonship: Within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Wellenreuther acted as the foreign‑policy spokesperson, articulating the bloc’s positions on international relations, security policy, and diplomatic affairs.
- Parliamentary friendship groups: He chaired the German‑American Parliamentary Friendship Group and participated in several other bilateral friendship groups, fostering legislative dialogue between Germany and partner nations.
- NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Wellenreuther was a member of the German delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, contributing to discussions on collective security and defense policy.
Other activities
- He has been involved with various non‑governmental organizations focused on transatlantic cooperation and European integration, serving in advisory capacities.
- Wellesreuther has published articles and opinion pieces on foreign‑policy issues in German newspapers and policy journals.
Later career
Wellenreuther did not stand for re‑election in the 2021 federal election and concluded his parliamentary service at the end of that legislative period. Post‑parliamentary activities have included consultancy work in international legal affairs and continued participation in think‑tank events related to German foreign policy.
Personal life
Wellenreuther is married and has children. He resides in the Karlsruhe region.
References
- Bundestag biography page for Ingo Wellenreuther (archived).
- CDU/CSU parliamentary group press releases.
- Official election results, Federal Returning Officer, Germany.
This entry reflects information verifiable through publicly available governmental and parliamentary sources.