In Eastern Germany, a cultural battle is erupting over the legacy of the Simson moped, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party attempting to claim the motorcycle as a symbol of its ideology. The descendants of the Jewish Simson family, who originally produced the moped, are actively resisting this appropriation, emphasizing their family's history and values which starkly contrast with the AfD's political stance. They have stated that any association with the AfD is deeply offensive and a distortion of their family's legacy.

Dennis Baum, the spokesperson for the Simson family now residing in the United States, expressed their strong rejection of extremist ideologies and highlighted the irreconcilable differences between the family's values and those of the AfD. This conflict reflects a deeper struggle in East Germany as cultural symbols are contested in a politically charged atmosphere, where the far-right seeks to redefine historical narratives to fit its agenda. The use of the Simson moped in political campaigns by figures like Björn Höcke signifies not only a fight over a brand but also raises questions about historical memory and the ongoing challenges of identity in post-reunification Germany.

The situation embodies a wider phenomenon where popular cultural icons become arenas for political battles, complicating the relationship between history, identity, and political ideology. As the descendants of the Simson family fight to reclaim their name and heritage, their struggle underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of cultural symbols against extremist appropriations, while also highlighting the responsibility of public figures and political parties to be mindful of their historical implications in the present.