European Diplomatic Strategy and International Relations

In a significant development for Germany's political landscape, Joachim Paul, a state parliamentarian from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has been excluded from running for mayor in Ludwigshafen. The reason for this exclusion lies in Paul's political proximity to Martin Sellner, the head of the Identitarian Movement, and his support for Sellner's controversial "Remigration Concept."

The "Remigration Concept," which Sellner has been touring Germany with since 2023, aims to expel millions from the country, including citizens. This concept has been deemed unconstitutional by several courts since 2024, most recently the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. The concept disregards the egalitarian understanding of citizenship, treating German citizens with a migration background as second-class citizens.

Paul publicly supported Sellner's "Remigration Concept" as early as November 2023, during a lecture titled "Immigration: A Matter of Destiny—Why Remigration Is Necessary and Feasible." In this lecture, Paul explicitly endorsed the forced return of migrants to their countries of origin, using the slogan "Remigration instead of submission." This contrasts with Sellner’s claim of voluntary departure, which has been ruled unconstitutional by German courts due to its violation of human dignity and equal rights.

The Ludwigshafen election committee used an eleven-page document provided by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution to make their decision. This document detailed Paul's positions, his right-wing extremist contacts, and the groups he supported. Paul has also been known for his proximity to the right-wing extremist scene, including networking with the heads of the Identitarian Movement and the nationalist wing of the AfD.

Renowned constitutional lawyer Kyrill-Alexander Schwarz sees Paul's case as a kind of precedent. According to Schwarz, a "preventive ban" can be imposed if a person's constitutional loyalty is not given. This could set a precedent for future politicians promoting Sellner's concept and potentially losing their place in democracy.

It is important to note that not all AfD candidates are automatically anti-constitutional. Those who adopt Sellner's anti-constitutional positions can be excluded from future elections. Members of parliament, as representatives of the people, are not part of the public service, so in parliamentary elections, extremist candidates can still be nominated.

Paul has filed an appeal with the Higher Administrative Court, and a decision will not be made before the election on September 21. This exclusion presents the AfD with a new problem, as it sets a precedent for future exclusions of candidates with Sellner closeness. The outcome of Paul's appeal could have significant implications for the future of the AfD and the political landscape of Germany.