Poland stands firm on WWII reparations demand from Germany, says PM Morawiecki

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki reiterated on Friday that Poland will not back down from its longstanding demand for war reparations from Germany in relation to World War II.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Poland, Morawiecki emphasized the importance of confronting historical injustices and proposed that even recognizing reparations to a minimal extent would be a positive step towards rectification.

The statements by Morawiecki were prompted by recent remarks made by Thomas Bagger, the German ambassador to Poland, who referred to the issue of reparations as a delicate "Pandora's box" best left undisturbed. Morawiecki strongly criticized Bagger's stance, denouncing it as both morally and politically mistaken.

While acknowledging that the process of pursuing reparations may be complex and time-consuming, Morawiecki underscored Poland's resolute commitment to seeking restitution. He expressed confidence that future generations of Polish politicians would continue to assert this demand, ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of diplomatic discussions.

In September of the previous year, Poland presented a comprehensive report meticulously detailing the substantial material losses incurred by the country during the war. Alongside the report, Poland put forth a demand for €1.3 trillion ($1.39 trillion) in reparations from Germany, reflecting the magnitude of the losses suffered.

The matter of war reparations between Poland and Germany remains a contentious issue, with Poland's unwavering determination and the potential long process ahead signaling that this historical dispute will persist in shaping bilateral relations. (ILKHA)