An explosive debate on neo-nazism is raging in Germany during the Auschwitz commemorations. The government, which earlier failed to ban the far right National Democratic Party, is now trying to limit such groups demonstrating. Politicians there have also called for a European ban on the Nazi swastika after Britain’s Prince Harry wore one at a fancy dress party.

Wolfgang Bosbach, who is from the opposition Christian Democrats, wants the symbol outlawed: “Everyone who uses it knows what they are doing and even if its for a so called joke then its still in such bad taste it should be banned by the state to protect the victims and their families,” he said. But the swastika has not always been associated with nazism. In Finland it used to be emblazoned on fighter aircraft. Finland replaced the swastika in 1945 by a blue circle, but it can still be seen on some units’ banners.

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