Samoa's prime minister apologizes for 2007 Hitler salute video

Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has asked for forgiveness for a 2007 video of him giving the Hitler salute. He apologized for using the words “Heil Hitler” and the corresponding gesture, he said on Facebook.

He apparently no longer knows why he did this.

"Whatever the context or intent at that meeting twenty years ago, I recognize that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt," it said. And further: "I reject National Socialism, anti-Semitism, racism and any form of political extremism."

The “Samoa Observer” had previously reported on the recording of a private event in 2007. Samoa was a German colony from 1900 to 1914 and was then administered by New Zealand for a long time. The Pacific state only became independent in 1962.

According to the newspaper, which only published a still image, the seven-second video shows the then deputy speaker of parliament first shouting "Hip, hip" into a microphone. Those present respond with “Hurray.” He then said: “Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler!” The statue shows him and bystanders with his right arm stretched out. In the Samoa Observer report, several historians called the incident "disturbing" and "worrying."

Laaulialemalietoa, often just called Laauli, has been Prime Minister of Samoa since September 2025. He is a devout Christian and focused on the topic of religion during the election campaign. After his inauguration, he said, among other things, that Samoa stands "on the side of Israel," which he described as "God's country."

The 60-year-old pointed out that the Hitler salute video came from a private family meeting and was “not intended for the public.” According to him, people in public office should listen and take responsibility – “where criticism is justified.” With that he considers the matter settled.