Despite objections from the AfD’s federal leadership, Austrian far-right extremist Martin Sellner is now scheduled to appear alongside AfD politicians. The event, originally planned at the constituency office of Brandenburg Bundestag member Steffen Kotré and titled “Remigration in Theory and Practice,” has been moved to an undisclosed location in southern Brandenburg, as Sellner announced on X Friday afternoon.
The original event was organized by Lena Kotré, a Brandenburg state parliament member and supporter of Sellner’s radical “remigration” concept. After the plans became public, the AfD’s federal leadership requested the Brandenburg state association cancel the evening event. Kotré complied with this request and called off the event. However, organizers apparently did not abandon the event, instead shifting the role of host. Sellner announced he now plans to host his own event that evening, to which he has invited Kotré, who referenced a photo of the two on X.
Formally, this is no longer an event organized by the party or its representatives, though the attending speaker and his supporters remain the same.
Criticism of the actions of the two leaders came from within the Bundestag faction. Thuringian Bundestag member Torben Braga wrote on X that the situation was “regrettable and wrong.”
The resistance from the party leadership may stem from several factors. The right-wing extremist Identitarian Movement is on the AfD’s list of incompatible organizations – meaning active members cannot be party members. However, the list does not prohibit cooperation or contact between AfD members and Identitarian activists. Furthermore, Sellner’s “remigration” concept, which contemplates the expulsion of citizens with migration backgrounds, was classified as a violation of human rights by the Federal Administrative Court in connection with a case concerning the ban of the far-right Compact magazine.
The Location Will Be Announced Shortly Beforehand
Since then, the AfD leadership has feared that AfD events with Sellner could be interpreted negatively in court, such as before the Administrative Court in Cologne, where a first-instance decision on classifying the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is expected soon.
Sellner intends to announce the event location shortly before it begins. However, it is anticipated that the Mühle Cottbus in southern Brandenburg, a known meeting place for right-wing movements and AfD politicians, will be the venue. Sellner previously visited the event space in February 2025 for a discussion evening with AfD Bundestag member Lars Schieske, a co-founder of the Mühle. According to a note from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, topics discussed included “ethnic shocks,” the “demographic tipping point,” the “culture of guilt,” and the AfD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “remigration” concept?
Sellner’s “remigration” concept, as described in the source, contemplates the expulsion of citizens with migration backgrounds and was classified as a violation of human rights by the Federal Administrative Court.
Why did the AfD federal leadership initially object to the event?
The AfD federal leadership objected because the Identitarian Movement, to which Sellner is connected, is on the party’s list of incompatible organizations, and because of the legal risks associated with Sellner’s “remigration” concept.
Where is the event now expected to take place?
While the exact location remains undisclosed, the source suggests the event will likely be held at the Mühle Cottbus in southern Brandenburg, a known meeting place for right-wing movements and AfD politicians.
Given the ongoing legal challenges and internal disagreements, what impact will this event have on the AfD’s political standing?
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