Samoa Prime Minister apologizes for "Heil Hitler"

The Prime Minister of Samoa Laauli Leuatea Schmidt apologized to the people, admitting that the video in which he used the Nazi salute in 2007 and pronounced "Heil Hitler" is genuine. He stated that his words and gestures were "inappropriate" and could "offend or hurt people." It is reported by AP News.

This video was first published by the Samoa Observer newspaper. The shooting took place in July 2007 at a family event. At that time he held the position of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. In the video, he says into the microphone "Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler!" (Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler!), after which about ten people present followed this instruction.

Schmidt is known for his pro-Israel stance. In January, he instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare for the opening of the Samoan Embassy in Jerusalem. The order should be executed during 2026. Samoa would become the third Pacific country to open an embassy in Jerusalem, after Fiji and Papua New Guinea.