AfD Candidate Campaigns on Simson Mopeds Amid Family Criticism

AfD top candidate Ulrich Siegmund is continuing his election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt, undeterred by significant criticism from the descendants of the Simson family. Siegmund was seen riding one of the iconic Simson mopeds, a brand with roots in a Jewish family persecuted by the Nazis, during a campaign event in Weißenfels. The event drew approximately 1,500 attendees, according to police.

The Simson family, now living in the United States, has strongly condemned the AfD's use of their name and legacy for political campaigning. Dennis Baum, a spokesperson for the family, stated they are shocked by the association and that any political appropriation of their name, linked to the well-known moped brand, must be entirely excluded. The family views the AfD's actions as an attempt to leverage the name of entrepreneurs who were driven out of Germany by the Nazis.

“

Such political appropriation using the name, which also stands for a well-known moped brand, must be completely excluded.

Simson mopeds, such as the 'Schwalbe' and S50/51 models produced in Suhl, hold cult status among many young people in eastern Germany, symbolizing a distinct East German lifestyle and mobility. The factory itself was founded by the Simson brothers, making its history intertwined with the Jewish heritage of Thuringia. The family was forced to flee to the USA in 1936.

Despite the controversy, Siegmund has previously held similar moped-themed campaign events in other towns. While opponents chalked the market square in Weißenfels with protest messages, no counter-demonstrations occurred during the speeches. The AfD continues to lead in opinion polls for Saxony-Anhalt, with a recent survey placing them at 41 percent, significantly ahead of the CDU and the Left party. The state election is scheduled for September 6.

“

Ultimately, the AfD is trying to advertise using the name of the entrepreneurial family driven out by the Nazis.