"Remigration": Who belongs to the people according to the AfD
The AfD is calling for 'remigration,' a term they use primarily for the return of individuals who are subject to deportation, while attempting to distance themselves from extremist associations.
The term "remigration" has gained traction within the AfD (Alternative fΓΌr Deutschland), with many party members advocating for the return of deportable individuals. However, this concept is layered with complexity as it seems to reflect broader exclusionary views about who constitutes 'the people' in Germany. Additionally, the party is endeavoring to separate itself from extremist figures like Martin Sellner, despite their ongoing affiliation with controversial nationalist ideas. A recent decision by the party leadership prohibits hosting events with Sellner but does not rule out the involvement of AfD members with his organization. The political landscape in Germany is currently taut with debates about national identity, migration, and extremism. The AfD's struggle to redefine its image while facing allegations of right-wing extremism underscores the tension within the party and the larger societal context. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party, and this scrutiny is forcing the party to navigate its ideological boundaries carefully. The call for remigration resonates with a faction of voters but raises concerns regarding its compatibility with Germany's constitutional framework. Moreover, the concept of remigration as proposed by the Identitarian Movement, which Sellner represents, has been ruled incompatible with the German Constitution by the Federal Administrative Court. The court's decision adds legal complexity to the AfD's rhetoric and initiatives while questioning the foundational values underlying the party's immigration policies. This scenario plays into the larger discourse of nationalism versus multiculturalism in contemporary Germany, as the AfD attempts to consolidate its voter base amid shifting public opinion on migration and national identity.