AfD uses nostalgic East German mopeds in German state election campaign

In the run-up to the September state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leveraging a unique cultural symbol: the iconic East German Simson moped. These mopeds, particularly models like the Schwalbe, hold a nostalgic and cult status in the former East Germany, and the AfD is incorporating them into its campaign strategy through events dubbed 'Simson rides.'

One such event recently took place in Quedlinburg, a historic town in the Harz district known for its well-preserved half-timbered architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's candidate for state premier, was pictured with his Simson Schwalbe, highlighting the party's effort to connect with voters through this symbol of GDR heritage.

However, this campaign strategy has not been met with universal approval. The Simson family, descendants of the factory's original Jewish owners, who now reside in the United States, have expressed their disapproval of the AfD's use of their family's legacy. The appropriation of this symbol by a party often associated with nationalist sentiments stands in contrast to the history of the Simson brand, which was founded by Jewish entrepreneurs and later confiscated by the Nazi regime before being re-established in the GDR.

The AfD's campaign in Saxony-Anhalt appears to be tapping into regional identity and nostalgia, using the Simson moped as a way to appeal to voters who may have fond memories of the GDR era. This tactic underscores the complex relationship between historical memory, regional identity, and contemporary political movements in eastern Germany.