Samoa PM apologizes for 2007 video showing Nazi salute at family reunion

Key points

• A seven-second video from July 2007 shows Schmidt leading about 13 people in a Nazi salute and shouting 'Heil Hitler' at a family reunion in Savai’i.
• Schmidt apologized on October 5, 2026, stating the words were 'inappropriate' and did not reflect his personal beliefs or the values of his government.
• The Samoa Observer, which first published the clip, was banned from government press conferences by Schmidt’s administration last year for 'unfair' reporting.
• Historians and academics, including Richard Evans and Thomas Weber, described the footage as 'shocking' and linked it to a global trend of 'strongman politics' and illiberal democracy.
• Schmidt has previously expressed strong support for Israel, including wearing a Jewish prayer shawl at his swearing-in and pledging to open an embassy in Jerusalem by the end of 2026.

Background

Schmidt became Prime Minister in 2025 following a snap election after the previous government failed to pass the national budget. His administration has faced scrutiny over media relations, specifically the ban on the Samoa Observer, which the government claimed breached media ethics standards. The current controversy adds to existing questions about his leadership style and political beliefs, particularly given his public displays of support for Israel and the use of a shofar during his swearing-in ceremony in September 2025.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and CNN focus on Schmidt’s apology and his rejection of Nazism, emphasizing that the incident occurred 20 years ago when he was deputy speaker. The Samoa Observer provides deeper context, noting that Schmidt was a main organizer of the 2007 reunion and highlighting the lack of response from his office to follow-up questions. ABC News notes the German-Samoan heritage of many Samoans, which may provide cultural context for the historical references, though it does not excuse the gesture. Thomas Weber, a historian, contrasts Schmidt’s pro-Israel stance with the Nazi salute, arguing that the salute signals a 'strongman' ideology that often targets the press, a parallel he draws to Schmidt’s ban on the Samoa Observer. Anne-Marie Brady, a Pacific affairs expert, emphasizes the risk to Samoa’s international reputation and calls for a more detailed explanation from the PM.

Why it matters

The incident raises serious questions about the character and political ideology of a Pacific Island nation’s leader. The juxtaposition of a Nazi salute with strong pro-Israel policies and a ban on critical media has led experts to question whether Schmidt’s leadership aligns with democratic values or authoritarian trends. The controversy could impact Samoa’s international reputation and its diplomatic relationships, particularly with Western nations that value press freedom and democratic norms.

What to watch

Schmidt has stated that the matter is 'addressed' and will focus on economic and social challenges. However, the lack of a detailed explanation for the 2007 incident and the ongoing ban on the Samoa Observer may continue to fuel criticism from academics and the public. The Media Council’s decision on the government’s complaint against the newspaper is still pending, which could further escalate the media-government conflict.