The Simson scooter, an iconic vehicle from East Germany (GDR), has been co-opted by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, particularly by its member Bjoern Hoecke, who has expressed nostalgic sentiments for the German Reich. This appropriation of a symbol that once represented everyday life in the GDR has considerable social implications, drawing on historical narratives that many find troubling. The scooter has morphed from being a part of ordinary East German life into a polarizing emblem in contemporary politics.

In response to the AfD's use of this symbol, the Jewish heirs of the Simson brand's founders have voiced their opposition, stating emphatically that they do not consent to the use of their family's name and history in this manner. Their objection highlights a significant tension in Germany today regarding the legacy of the Nazi era and how historical symbols are used in modern political discourse. The heirs' statements bring attention to the need for respectful and accurate representations of history.

This conflict underscores broader societal challenges in Germany regarding the resurgence of right-wing movements and the manipulation of cultural symbols for political gain. As the country grapples with its past, the reaction from the Simson heirs demonstrates an ongoing dialogue about identity, memory, and the responsibilities that come with it, particularly in a nation that continues to address its history with Nazism and the Holocaust.