Politics · Switzerland · 1 day ago
Opfikon politicians seek context for Charles Lindbergh’s Nazi ties
In Opfikon, Switzerland, politicians want the city to address Charles Lindbergh’s Nazi ties at a square and avenue named after him.
Lindbergh became famous for making the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic in 1927.
He also visited Nazi Germany several times, received an award from Hermann Göring in 1938 and voiced antisemitic views in speeches.
A motion signed by nine local councillors asks the city government to publish a clear statement about those views on its website.
It also calls for an information sign or QR code at Lindbergh Square and Lindbergh Avenue.
The city currently says its place names recognise aviation achievements, not personal or political views, and notes that some views can be examined critically.
The city government is being asked to respond to the motion; no decision is stated.
Politicians in Opfikon, Switzerland, are asking the city to add context about Charles Lindbergh’s Nazi ties to a square and avenue named after him.
A motion led by SP city councillor Yuri Fierz seeks a city statement on Lindbergh’s antisemitic views and information at the sites.
Nine councillors from the SP, Greens and Green Liberals co-signed the motion, representing one quarter of the city parliament.
Opfikon currently says its street and place names recognize aviation achievements, not the named people’s personal or political views.
Lindbergh made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic in 1927 and received the German Eagle Order from Hermann Göring in 1938.
- Who
- SP councillor Yuri Fierz and nine co-signing councillors from the SP, Greens and Green Liberals. They are asking the Opfikon city government to act.
- What
- A motion seeks a city statement about Lindbergh’s antisemitic views and an information board or QR code at Lindbergh-Platz and Lindbergh-Allee.
- When
- The motion was recently submitted; the articles were published on October 17, 2026.
- Where
- Opfikon, in the Swiss canton of Zurich, at Lindbergh-Platz and Lindbergh-Allee in the Glattpark district.
- Why
- The politicians say the current recognition does not explain Lindbergh’s ties to Nazi Germany and antisemitic views.
Motion supporters
Opfikon’s current position
Context at the Lindbergh sites
Motion supporters
The motion calls for a statement on Lindbergh’s antisemitic views and an information board or QR code.
Opfikon’s current position
The city says the names recognize aviation achievements, not personal or political views, and notes that some views can be critically examined.
Whether the existing explanation is enough
Motion supporters
Fierz says the current explanation does not go far enough in Lindbergh’s case.
Opfikon’s current position
The articles do not report a response from the city government to the motion.
Lindbergh made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic.
Hermann Göring awarded Lindbergh the German Eagle Order.
The Glattpark district was built near Zurich Airport.
Neuchâtel’s government decided to provide further information following the Black Lives Matter debate.
Yuri Fierz submitted the motion to the Opfikon city government.
- Motion co-signers
- 9 councillors from the SP, Greens and Green Liberals
- Share of city parliament
- One quarter
- Lindbergh’s flight
- First solo nonstop Atlantic crossing, 1927
- Nazi award
- German Eagle Order, awarded by Hermann Göring in 1938
- Glattpark population
- Space for around 7,000 residents and about as many jobs
4 sources
Zürcher Stadt Opfikon ehrte Aviatik-Pionier, der mit den Nazis flirtete
Zürcher Stadt ehrte einen Aviatik-Pionier, der mit den Nazis flirtete – nun gerät sie unter Zugzwang
Lindbergh-Platz in Opfikon: Forderung nach Transparenz zur NS-Vergangenheit
Lindbergh-Platz in Opfikon: Forderung nach Transparenz zur NS-Vergangenheit
What people are saying
I find this unreflective tribute questionable, after all Lindbergh’s dark history was already known when the name was chosen.
That is not enough in Lindbergh’s case.
This could present the achievements and accomplishments in general and not just the negative aspects of these pioneers’ work.