Simson mopeds: AfD defends itself against criticism

The Simson moped as a political issue: first the descendants of the Jewish Simson family criticized the AfD's appropriation of the brand - now the Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke is fighting back. Höcke has repeatedly had himself photographed on machines of the traditional East German brand and mentioned it in election campaign speeches. He has now called the statements made by the family's descendants "disconcerting".

"Interpreting the use of everyday objects as 'appropriation' replaces arguments with symbolic hysteria," said Höcke. "This is precisely where the 'never again!' should apply: no collective attribution, no suspicion of a certain mindset, no political hereditary guilt." Since the Second World War, the phrase "never again" has mostly been used in connection with "never again fascism" or "never again war". Höcke reinterprets it here.

Disenfranchised during the Nazi era

The Simson family was harassed and persecuted during the Nazi era and forced to sell the factory in Suhl in 1936, where Simson mopeds were later built during the GDR era. The descendants now live in the USA. The family's spokesman, Dennis Baum, had stated: "We find any association with the AfD repulsive and an insult to our name."

The Simson mopeds produced in Suhl during the GDR era, such as the Schwalbe or the S51, are cult for many enthusiasts - mostly regardless of their political views. The AfD used the popular vehicle not only in election campaigns, but also to sell products in its fan store on Tiktok.

"A great tragedy"

Baum explained that the family rejects extremist ideologies and "will not accept the appropriation of our name by the AfD". She considers it offensive to be named in connection with a party that is "predominantly extremist". Under no circumstances should the name Simson become a symbol of the AfD.

The party had experienced a great tragedy, which was primarily characterized by intolerance towards the Jewish population, Baum emphasized. "That is why we consider the use of our name by the AfD to be a mockery of our history."

Weapons and vehicle factory

The factory in Thuringia was founded by the brothers Moses and Loeb Simson and had established itself as a weapons manufacturer. At the same time, the company was dedicated to vehicle construction and developed the Simson Supra racing car, among other things. During the Nazi era, the family was forced to sell the company. During the GDR era, the factory then became a state-owned enterprise and initially produced mopeds on behalf of the Soviet military administration.