1 week ago
AfD Turns East Germany’s Vespa Into Election Vehicle
The AfD held a large motorcycle event in eastern Germany before an important state election.
The event featured Simson mopeds, which were popular in East Germany before reunification.
Many people see Simson as a symbol of freedom and good memories.
AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund used that symbol while leading a motorbike parade.
The party hopes these memories will attract voters, including young people.
Some Simson family members say they do not want the brand connected to the AfD.
Opponents also say the party uses worries about immigration and unfair treatment to gain support.
The AfD says it is not racist and only wants stricter immigration controls.
Nearly 5,000 people attended an AfD campaign event and Simson motorcycle show in Quedlinburg.
Candidate Ulrich Siegmund led a motorcade ahead of Saxony-Anhalt’s September 6 election.
The AfD is using Simson’s nostalgic appeal to connect with East German identity.
Support among voters aged roughly 18–34 reached 40% in the 2025 federal election, up from about 25% in 2021.
The Simson family and opponents criticize the AfD’s association with the brand, while the party rejects allegations of racism.
- Who
- The Alternative for Germany, its Saxony-Anhalt candidate Ulrich Siegmund, Simson enthusiasts, and AfD critics.
- What
- An AfD campaign event and motorcycle show used Simson mopeds to appeal to East German identity.
- Where
- At festival grounds in Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany.
- When
- The event took place on Sunday, August 24, ahead of the September 6 Saxony-Anhalt election.
- Why
- The AfD seeks to mobilize eastern voters through nostalgia, regional identity, and concerns about disadvantage and financial security.
Critics and Brand Family
AfD and Supporters
Use of the Simson brand
Critics and Brand Family
The Simson family and critics say the brand should not be associated with the AfD because of the party’s positions on immigrants, people of other skin colors, and sexual minorities.
AfD and Supporters
The AfD presents Simson culture as a symbol of individual freedom, mobility, and East German solidarity.
AfD’s approach to East German identity
Critics and Brand Family
Sociologist Daniel Kubiak argues that the AfD’s identity narrative is vague and adapts to local feelings of devaluation and marginalization rather than offering a coherent identity.
AfD and Supporters
The AfD’s manifesto, “Vision 2026,” says eastern Germany should be viewed as a model for the rest of the country rather than as a disadvantaged region.
Immigration and racism allegations
Critics and Brand Family
Critics point to the AfD’s threats against immigrants and other minorities as incompatible with the Simson family’s values.
AfD and Supporters
The AfD rejects allegations of racism and says it seeks stricter controls over immigration.
Key facts
- Event attendance
- Nearly 5,000 people attended the campaign event and motorcycle show.
- Election
- Saxony-Anhalt votes on September 6; the AfD could become the first far-right party to take power at state level since the Nazi era.
- Youth support
- AfD support among voters aged roughly 18–34 reached 40% in the 2025 federal election, compared with about 25% in 2021.
- Simson models
- The Schwalbe and sporty S50 became popular East German motorcycles and mopeds.
- Counter-demonstrators
- Roughly 100 people demonstrated against the AfD at the event.
- Brand petition
- A petition seeking protection of Simson’s reputation had nearly 24,000 signatories.
- Financial concerns
- A 2024 government-commissioned survey found that 67% of eastern respondents considered financial security most important, compared with 62% in western Germany.
Quotes
Ulrich Siegmund
AfD candidate in the Saxony-Anhalt election
“But this Simson culture represents individual freedom of movement. It stands for a time when we in this country stuck together.”
theprint.in
“The threats against immigrants, people of other skin colours and sexual minorities are something we want no part of.”
theprint.in
Daniel Kubiak
Sociologist at Humboldt University of Berlin
“The AfD’s identity narrative can always adapt very well to where they are.”
theprint.in
Sources
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