The iconic Simson moped, originally manufactured by a Jewish family in Thuringia, has become a flashpoint in German politics as the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) increasingly adopts the machines as symbols of regional identity. Descendants of the founders, who were forced to flee Nazi persecution in the 1930s, have publicly denounced this appropriation as an insult to their family name.
History of the Simson Brand
The Simson company was established in 1856 by Jewish brothers Löb and Moses Simson in the German town of Suhl. According to historical records, the firm produced a diverse range of products, including firearms, automobiles, motorcycles, and baby carriages. Following the Nazi party’s rise to power in 1933, the Simson family was stripped of their business and forced to flee to the United States by 1936.
Post-World War II, the East German communist regime nationalized the factory. It was during this era that Simson achieved its greatest renown, particularly with the 1960s “Schwalbe” (Swallow) model and the later S51 series. After the fall of the communist regime, the factory struggled with financial instability and ultimately ceased operations in 2003.
The annual meeting of Simson enthusiasts, held every July at the airport in Zwickau, Saxony, attracts thousands of riders, cementing the moped’s status as a cultural icon in eastern Germany.
Why the AfD is Using Simson Mopeds
The AfD, which was classified as a proven right-wing extremist organization by the German domestic intelligence agency in May 2023, is leveraging the popularity of Simson mopeds to cultivate a distinct East German identity. Party politicians frequently feature the machines in campaign materials, including posters and merchandise, and have proposed designating the mopeds as “intangible cultural heritage” in several state parliaments.
Björn Höcke, the chairman of the Thuringian branch of the AfD, has utilized the mopeds during his 2024 state election campaigns. At a recent event, Höcke stated, “Simson is a symbol that the East is unconventional, free, and wild.” This strategy is being mirrored by the lead candidate for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund. Siegmund also organizes rides on Simson mopeds.
Family Opposition to Political Appropriation
The descendants of the Simson founders have expressed strong opposition to the party’s tactics. Dennis Baum, an 80-year-old descendant of the founders, told the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel that seeing Björn Höcke riding a Simson surrounded by AfD flags caused his family “great anger.”
Baum described any association with the AfD as “repulsive” and an “insult to our surname,” characterizing the party and its leaders as antisemitic. While Baum noted that it would be “ridiculous” to label every Simson rider as a right-wing extremist, he plans to attend protests against the AfD during the party’s upcoming national convention in Erfurt. “I want people to understand what happened to our family, so that we don’t end up in that situation again,” Baum stated.
Pro Tip: Understanding the Cultural Context
While the AfD attempts to frame the Simson as a symbol of “freedom and independence,” the historical reality remains that the original Jewish owners were victims of the very ideology the party is accused of promoting. This dichotomy is at the heart of the ongoing public debate regarding the brand’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Simson brand still in production? No, the original factory in Suhl ceased operations in 2003 following years of financial difficulty.
- Why are Simson mopeds popular today? They hold a cult status in eastern Germany, serving as a nostalgic connection to the youth of many residents who grew up during the GDR era.
- What is the AfD’s stance on the mopeds? The party uses them as a political symbol to foster an “East German” identity, often incorporating them into campaign events and legislative proposals.
- How has the founding family responded? Descendants, including Dennis Baum, have publicly rejected the AfD’s use of the brand, calling it an insult to their family history.
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