Nazi Scandal in the German Army |
Nazi Scandal in Germany’s Paratroopers: Defense Minister Pistorius Demands Sanctions and a Command Shake-Up
An elite unit under fire — at the worst possible moment
Germany’s government has made no secret of its ambition: it wants the Bundeswehr to become Europe’s leading conventional army. It is also one of the few countries on the continent that hosts US-controlled nuclear warheads. This strategic push comes as the armed forces have launched a major voluntary recruitment drive. And that is precisely when the scandal broke.
Germany’s armed forces are now rocked by a series of allegations targeting the 26th Paratrooper Regiment based in Zweibrücken (Rhineland-Palatinate), at the Niederauerbach barracks. The accusations form an explosive mix: far-right extremism, sexual assault and harassment, violent rituals, drug use and trafficking, and Nazi-style provocations — including unconstitutional symbols, Hitler salutes, and even what some sources describe as a “Nazi party.”
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has called the allegations “shocking,” saying they run directly counter to the values of the Bundeswehr and demanding a full and uncompromising investigation.
Heavy numbers, investigations already underway
According to the information available so far, the case involves roughly 200 recorded or examined incidents, with multiple layers of investigation in motion:
The suspected offenses include incitement to hatred, use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations, and violations of narcotics laws (including recreational cannabis), as well as the reported sexual offenses.
The trigger: internal complaints and women speaking out
The scandal appears to have gained momentum after several complaints were filed in June with the Parliamentary........