Martin Sellner, a prominent figure in the Austrian identity movement and leader of the most extreme right wing, recently sparked a wave of reactions with the announcement of an imminent visit to Bolzano. The political leader, who boasts an impressive following but also deep entry bans in nations such as Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom due to his extremist positions, revealed his intention to meet Jürgen Wirth Anderlan, a South Tyrolean provincial councilor known for own equally contested political inclinations.
Sellner’s announcement came via the social platform X, where he expressed his desire to organize a “revolutionary breakfast” on May 5th in Bolzano. The Identitarian leader described his meeting with Wirth Anderlan in Vienna as “love at first sight”, emphasizing an ideological harmony that seems to have linked the two politicians beyond mere formalities.
For his part, Wirth Anderlan expressed surprise to learn via the media of Sellner’s actual announcement, despite a previous agreement for a bilateral meeting. Despite the controversy, the South Tyrolean councilor adopted a decidedly challenging tone, claiming the right to meet anyone he wishes, regardless of possible criticism, as demonstrated by his ironic comment regarding the public perception of their dangerousness.
Sellner is known for his promotion of “remigration,” a concept that advocates the massive expulsion of foreigners and citizens of foreign origin who are insufficiently assimilated according to his criteria. This position drew fierce condemnation from many quarters, establishing him as a polarizing figure on an international scale.
The reactions in the South Tyrolean area and beyond were not long in coming. Some political fringes and social groups immediately expressed disappointment and concern about the implications of such an explicit and public connection between politicians of this faction. The fear is that the meeting could not only reinforce ideologies considered dangerous by many, but also create an atmosphere of further division and tension in the area.
The political scene in Bolzano, therefore, is preparing to experience days of intense reflection and, potentially, dialectical clashes on the path that the city and, more broadly, South Tyrol want to take in relation to the phenomena of immigration and cultural identity. With growing international interest and media pressure, the public’s eyes will be on local dynamics, assessing how this visit will influence political and social dialogue in one of Italy’s quietest yet culturally complex regions. Meanwhile, the community finds itself navigating the turbulent waters of increasingly polarized politics, trying to balance acceptance and integration with safeguarding its traditions and values.
