Key facts
- Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized for a historical video.
- The video shows him saying "Heil Hitler" and making a Nazi gesture.
- The footage is from a private family gathering in 2007.
- Schmidt stated the actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt.
- He rejected Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and political extremism.
Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized on Monday after video surfaced showing him using the phrase "Heil Hitler" and making a gesture associated with Nazi Germany at a private family gathering in 2007. Schmidt, who was deputy speaker of Parliament at the time, stated that the footage was from nearly 20 years ago and was never intended for public view.
"Whatever the context or intention at that gathering twenty years ago, I recognise that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt and I apologise for using them," he said in a statement.
Schmidt affirmed his rejection of Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of political extremism, stating that these beliefs do not reflect his personal values, nor those of the Government or people of Samoa. He added that Samoa is a constitutional democracy founded upon respect for human dignity, the rule of law, its traditional institutions, and freedom of expression.
The Prime Minister also referred to Samoa’s celebrations honoring national heroes and leaders who fought for independence, emphasizing the nation's commitment to unity and sovereignty. He acknowledged that public officials must be prepared to listen and take responsibility when criticism is justified. Schmidt concluded by stating he considers the matter addressed, as he remains focused on the country's economic and social challenges.