High-ranking politicians from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Thuringia have met with Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner at the state parliament building in Erfurt. According to the German Press Agency, Thuringia’s AfD parliamentary group deputy leader Daniel Haseloff stated that discussions centered on Sellner’s “remigration” concept and that of the Thuringian AfD, including differences between the two.
Meeting Sparks Controversy
Haseloff shared photos of the meeting on X, formerly known as Twitter, which also included Thuringian members of the German Bundestag, Stefan Möller and Robert Teske. Möller is a state spokesperson for the Thuringian AfD, alongside Björn Höcke. Haseloff wrote, “The most important pillar of democracy is discourse. Therefore, it was a pleasure for me to welcome @Martin_Sellner to the Thuringian state parliament today. He is one of the most demonized people in Europe. I wanted to form my own opinion. Thank you for the visit! #AfD.”
The unannounced visit has drawn sharp condemnation from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Left party. CDU Thuringia General Secretary Niklas Waßmann called the meeting an “alarm signal” demonstrating the AfD Thuringia’s proximity to the far-right fringe. Katharina König-Preuss of the Left party criticized the AfD for intentionally bringing a known ideologue of the extreme right into the heart of a democratic institution, turning the state parliament into a platform for ideologies against human dignity and democratic rights.
“Remigration” Concept at the Center of Debate
Sellner is considered a leading figure in the Identitarian Movement (IB), which the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies as right-wing extremist. He applies his “remigration” concept – which includes German citizens with a migration background who he deems insufficiently assimilated – by attempting to pressure them to leave the country. The Thuringian AfD is classified as right-wing extremist and is under observation by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
While the AfD issued a statement in 2024 distancing itself from Sellner’s concept, stating it does not differentiate between German citizens with and without a migration background, Haseloff indicated the Thuringian AfD intends to pursue its own “remigration” concept within the bounds of the law. He described the AfD’s concept as constitutional and criticized what he called the “absurd” practice of Sellner receiving entry bans.
According to the source, when right-wing extremists use the term “remigration,” they generally mean a large number of people with foreign backgrounds should leave the country, even by force.
A further event with Sellner is planned for Monday evening in a restaurant in Erfurt, with security authorities anticipating protests from the left-wing scene and preparing for a police presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “remigration” concept?
According to the source, Sellner’s “remigration” concept includes German citizens with a migration background who he deems insufficiently assimilated, and he attempts to pressure them to leave the country.
What is the status of the AfD in Thuringia?
The source states that the Thuringian AfD is classified as right-wing extremist and is under observation by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
What was the reaction to the meeting between Sellner and AfD politicians?
The source indicates that the CDU and the Left party sharply condemned the meeting, viewing it as a sign of the AfD Thuringia’s proximity to the far-right fringe.
Given the strong reactions to this meeting, what impact might these events have on the political landscape in Thuringia and beyond?
