Taipei: Germany and Israel's top envoys to Taiwan have jointly urged Taiwanese politicians to exercise caution in making Nazi comparisons, especially during Holocaust remembrance events. Their call to action was made during a ceremony in Taipei, emphasizing the importance of respecting the memory of Holocaust victims.

According to Focus Taiwan, Karsten Tietz, director general of the German Institute Taipei, stated that politicians should avoid using Nazi comparisons lightly, particularly when expressing disagreement with political opponents. Maya Yaron, the representative of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal discomfort with the casual use of terms like "Nazi" and "dictatorship" in Taiwan's political discourse.

Yaron highlighted the significance of these terms, which are not merely rhetorical tools but carry the weight of historical suffering and pain. She pointed out that the increasing use of hate speech and symbols in Taiwan, even by top leaders, is a troubling trend that needs to be addressed.

While the envoys did not name specific politicians, their remarks follow past incidents, such as the criticism of Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu in May 2025. Chu had compared the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to the Nazi regime, a statement that was met with strong disapproval from both the German and Israeli offices in Taiwan.

During the 2026 International Holocaust Remembrance Day event, both Tietz and Yaron reiterated their stance against inappropriate historical comparisons in political rhetoric. The event, which included Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, underscored the ongoing commitment of the German and Israeli offices to honor the Holocaust victims and promote historical sensitivity.

The practice of using Nazi imagery in Taiwan's political sphere has historical roots, notably during the 2014 Sunflower Movement when protesters depicted then-President Ma Ying-jeou as Hitler. The envoys' joint appeal aims to foster a more respectful and considerate political environment in Taiwan, particularly concerning sensitive historical references.