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AfD Politician Praises WWII Paratroopers, Sparks Outrage

5/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

AfD politician Rüdiger Lucassen ignited fury by praising German paratroopers during the 1941 invasion of Crete, conveniently ignoring the horrific war crimes committed against civilians. His tribute to his father's service has drawn sharp criticism, with many labeling it a troubling distortion of history that underscores a troubling rise in nationalist fervor in Germany.

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Story summary

AfD politician Rüdiger Lucassen ignited fury by praising German paratroopers during the 1941 invasion of Crete, conveniently ignoring the horrific war crimes committed against civilians. His tribute to his father's service has drawn sharp criticism, with many labeling it a troubling distortion of history that underscores a troubling rise in nationalist fervor in Germany.