In brief
Samoa’s newly elected prime minister issued a public apology after a viral clip surfaced in which he performed a Nazi salute and shouted “Heil Hitler” at a family gathering in 2007. The record, which shows him leading a group in the gesture, was filmed while he was deputy speaker of parliament and not intended for public release. Schmidt has since condemned the act, rejecting Nazism, antisemitism and all forms of extremist ideology. The incident has reignited discussion about Samoa’s colonial past and the cultural sensitivities surrounding its German heritage.
The centre‑elected leader of Samoa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, issued a public apology after a seven‑second clip of him performing a Nazi salute and shouting Heil Hitler surfaced online.
The footage, taken at a family reunion in July 2007 while Schmidt held the post of deputy speaker, shows him leading the salute and encouraging the group to respond. He insists the event was private, not meant for public viewing.
In remarks posted to Facebook, Schmidt called the gesture inappropriate and said he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism. The video was first reported by the Samoa Observer.
Schmidt, who entered prime ministership in September 2025, has a mixed Samoan and German heritage and has expressed support for Israel, notably wearing a Jewish prayer shawl at his oath‑taking ceremony.
The incident has prompted discussion about historical sensitivities in Samoa, a nation that was once a German colony before its transfer to New Zealand after World War I. Officials say the apology addresses concerns over the extent of the mistake and the potential for causing hurt.
