Remigration” as a Euphemism for Hate – Why the Identitarian Movement Must Finally Be Banned

It is a sunny July day in Vienna, but what is happening in the city center is an affront to every democratic society. Yellow flags, martial slogans, smoke bombs, and a visibly euphoric Martin Sellner standing at the monument of antisemite Karl Lueger, launching the far-right march – shaking hands with police and grinning broadly into the cameras. The self-proclaimed “Identitarian Movement” is on the march again – protected by a massive police presence, accompanied by counterprotests and anger, by determined resistance and helpless dismay. And the central question is: how can it be that a movement hostile to the constitution is still allowed to demonstrate? Under the euphemism “remigration,” the IB calls for mass deportations, incites hatred against migrants, fantasizes about a “great replacement,” and portrays itself as the guardian of a supposedly threatened Europe. What it actually promotes is racist selection – an ideology deeply rooted in neo-fascist thought, long since embedded in international networks. This year’s mobilization was Europe-wide, once again bringing in representatives of the AfD youth and FPÖ officials. And while Sellner revels in the media attention, passersby look on in disbelief – for one afternoon, Vienna has become a parade ground for the far right.

But the march on July 26, 2025, was met with resistance. Hundreds of antifascists, many from civil society and leftist groups, moved loudly through the city. The Communist Youth, feminist groups, migrant initiatives, and students gathered under slogans like “Racism has no place in Vienna” and “Against fascist revival.” There were repeated sit-ins – especially at Stephansplatz, Wollzeile, and near Tuchlauben. 48 people were temporarily detained, some for violations of assembly law, others for attempting to block the Identitarian route. Eggs were thrown, as well as bags filled with feces – outgrowths of a day in which democratic consensus on the streets seemed to fray. What was particularly disturbing was the demonstrative composure of the authorities toward the far-right staging. While counterprotesters were pushed back and carried away, the Identitarians, accompanied by music and chants of “foreigners out,” marched through the historic old town – past bewildered tourists, flanked by heavily armed police. In such moments, the state does not appear as a defender of the constitution, but as a bystander on the stage of contempt. The criticism came swiftly: SPÖ Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler called the event an “assault on human dignity.” The Greens described it as a “flop for the neo-fascist Identitarians,” noting that despite months of mobilization, only a few hundred far-right participants showed up. But that doesn’t change the principle: they were allowed to come. And march. And shout their slogans.

Enough is enough. Anyone who still believes that freedom of expression is a blank check for organized hate is gravely mistaken. A democracy must not court its enemies. It must recognize them, name them – and draw boundaries. The Identitarian Movement is not a youth group, not a think tank, not a cultural corrective. It is the ideological gateway to a new fascism, and its structures are well documented. That Austria allows this movement to march through the capital year after year under police protection is a democratic disgrace. That Germany has not banned it despite surveillance by the domestic intelligence service is a failure foretold. Martin Sellner may present himself as a clever strategist – but in truth he is the loudmouth of a movement founded on contempt. Contempt for diversity, for pluralism, for an open society. If he and his followers are allowed to continue unchecked, they will further poison the political climate. The line has long been crossed. The Identitarian Movement must be banned. Not someday. But now.

Investigative journalism requires courage, conviction – and your support.