On Apr. 20, 1889, Adolf Hitler was born in
Ranshofen, Austria-Hungary. In 1933, the town made him an honorary citizen. Six years later, Ranshofen integrated into Braunau. There are
many towns in Austria and in Germany that have made him an honorary citizen. Following these accounts, countless individuals are demanding the repeal of these measures.
The
Associated Press is reporting that 66 years after his death, the town council of Braunau voted unanimously in favor of revoking Hitler of being an honorary citizen – although there is no official documentation or archival evidence that the town gave the author of “Mein Kampf” this prestige honor.
Since there is debate as to whether or not the honors given to Hitler stand due to the Ranshofen-Braunau integration, this vote is more of a precautionary measure
The town council also voted in favor of revoking Hitler’s right of residence that was awarded in 1938, which was the year Nazi Germany occupied Austria.
“Although no archival evidence could be found for the city of Braunau am Inn's awarding Adolf Hitler honorary citizenship, the awarding of honorary citizenship to Adolf Hitler is symbolically and as a precaution revoked and repealed,” the Braunau council said in an official statement that was quoted by the
Austria Press Agency.
“In this manner, the town council of Braunau set a clear, unambiguous example and assumed historical and political responsibility,” said Braunau Mayor Johannes Waidbacher, reports
Haaretz.
In May, the Austrian town of
Armstetten voted in favor of revoking Hitler’s honorary citizenship, but it did cause intense political discourse after two council members of the Freedom Party refused to vote because they argue that Hitler’s honors ended upon his death on Apr. 30, 1945.
Klagenfurt and
Waidhofen an der Ybbs are the latest towns to revoke Hitler of the honors.
