Full Breakdown
AfD Leadership Issues Directive Against Martin Sellner Engagements
2/10/2026, 6:02:40 AM
AfD's Resolution Against Sellner
On February 9, 2026, the national leadership of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party adopted a resolution urging all branches to avoid organizing events featuring Austrian far-right figure Martin Sellner. This decision was made by the party's federal executive board, co-chaired by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, during a meeting in Berlin. The directive follows the party's previous distancing from Sellner's views on "remigration," a term associated with the far-right advocating for the deportation of individuals of foreign origin, including those with German citizenship.
Background on Martin Sellner
Martin Sellner is recognized as a prominent figure within the Identitarian Movement, which has been classified by Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) as a right-wing extremist group. Sellner has faced significant legal challenges, including a ban from entering Germany in 2024, which was later overturned by a German court. His promotion of controversial themes, such as the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory, has drawn scrutiny and condemnation from various sectors of society.
Implications of the Directive
The AfD's resolution prohibits members from organizing events that include Sellner, although it does not prevent individual members from meeting him privately. This move appears to be an attempt to mitigate the party's association with extremist elements, especially in light of previous public appearances by AfD lawmakers alongside Sellner. The BfV has indicated that it will refrain from labeling the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist movement" until a Cologne court resolves an ongoing legal challenge from the party regarding this designation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the AfD's directive argue that the resolution is insufficient and merely a public relations maneuver. Detractors contend that the party's historical ties to extremist ideologies and figures like Sellner cannot be easily severed through such measures. The internal conflict within the party regarding its association with far-right elements continues to be a point of contention.
Official Statements & Responses
In the resolution, the AfD leadership emphasized the need for all associations and members to refrain from organizing events with Sellner, signaling a strategic pivot in response to growing scrutiny. The party's leadership has faced pressure to clarify its stance on extremism and to distance itself from individuals who promote divisive ideologies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the AfD has taken steps to distance itself from Sellner, the effectiveness of this resolution remains to be seen. There are ongoing discussions within the party about the implications of their association with far-right figures, and the BfV's classification of the AfD continues to be a contentious issue. The outcome of the Cologne court's ruling will likely influence future characterizations of the party.
