Due to global networking and the unfiltered flood of information, we are repeatedly confronted with news that at first glance seems shocking, confusing or even revealing. Pictures were recently rediscovered on Facebook claiming that there was a connection between well-known politicians and Nazi figures from the past.

Screenshot photo collage
Screenshot photo collage

How much truth is there in these claims and how do we distinguish fact from fiction?

The rumors about alleged Nazi ancestors

  • Olaf Scholz & Fritz von Scholz:
    It is claimed that SS Lieutenant General Fritz von Scholz, who died in 1944, was the grandfather of the current Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In fact, Olaf Scholz's grandparents come from Hamburg, while Fritz von Scholz was born in Pilsen and lived in Pörtschach am Wörthersee. There are no records or evidence of a relationship with Fritz von Scholz. A closer look at archives and documents produces a clear picture.
  • Karl Lauterbach & Hartmann Lauterbacher:
    Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is another politician whose family history has been falsified. The photo that is circulating Hartmann Lauterbacher (name misspelled in the picture), a leading official of the Hitler Youth. Despite the similarity of name, there is no family connection between him and the minister.
  • Donald Tusk & Jozef Tusk:
    The story of the Polish politician Donald Tusk is a little more complicated. His grandfather, Jozef Tusk , was arrested by the Gestapo during World War II, but was later released. Although he served in the German Wehrmacht, he was never a member of the SS, and he cannot be seen in the picture that was circulated.
  • Christian Lindner & Gerhard Lindner:
    And finally there is the photo of Gerhard Lindner, who is said to be the grandfather of Finance Minister Christian Lindner. However, this is complete misinformation. Christian Lindner's grandparents were bakers in Wuppertal and had nothing to do with the Wehrmacht.

The motive behind the propaganda

Why do stories like this even appear? Western politicians have been exposed to a massive disinformation campaign from Russia, especially since Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine began. The “denazification” of Ukraine is used as a pretext to spread such slander.

We already dealt with these images , and now they are circulating again.

How can we protect ourselves?

Unfortunately, “fake news” is part of our everyday lives. This makes it all the more important to critically question information and check its sources. We can only protect ourselves from such propaganda through vigilance and responsible use of the media.

Conclusion

Propaganda and disinformation are as old as human history itself, but today's technologies have accelerated and intensified their spread. The story of Western politicians' alleged Nazi ancestors serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining an informed and critical worldview.

Want to stay up to date and learn how to debunk stories like this? Sign up for the Mimikama newsletter and take advantage of Mimikama's educational offerings . Stay informed, stay critical, stay safe!

Source:

DPA

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )