Samoa opposition leader questions prime minister's past Nazi salute and party silence

Footage from a 2007 private gathering revealed Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt performing a Nazi salute, prompting an apology from him last week. Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, who previously served as prime minister, contends the gesture suggests private sympathy for Nazi ideology and questions the prime minister's real stance. He has urged FAST Party legislators to publicly denounce Schmidt's behavior, criticizing their lack of response.

Tuilaepa emphasized that the controversy continues to generate public letters and media attention, and will not simply fade away. He also highlighted that the party's silence raises concerns about its internal accountability. Schmidt maintains he rejects Nazism and considers the issue settled, but the opposition insists the debate persists.