Members of the Law and Justice faction on the Gdańsk City Council have introduced a draft resolution urging Germany to provide compensation for crimes committed during the Second World War. The initiative was presented as a formal step toward securing just restitution, with PiS member Kacper Płażyński expressing hope that German authorities would engage in talks and bring closure to this long-standing issue.
The press conference announcing the proposal took place at the Gdańsk City Council building. Attending were PiS MPs and councilors who are backing the draft resolution that calls on Germany to acknowledge and pay compensation for the damages inflicted on the Polish nation during the war and for the lives lost, which number in the many millions according to Polish estimates.
Płażyński stressed that this matter remains unresolved and continues to weigh on public memory and relations within the region. The discussion was framed as part of a broader effort by Polish public institutions and authorities, led by the president, to obtain appropriate reparations for the country’s wartime losses.
The sentiment was echoed by the delegation’s representatives that reconciliation cannot be achieved without fair compensation. The MPs noted that while many neighbors acknowledge responsibility for their past actions, the matter of restitution to Poland has yet to be settled in a manner that reflects the scope of the damage.
The speaker emphasized that the call for compensation is not only a matter of principle but also a statement about the standards and values a state upholds. The proponents reminded listeners that other nations once harmed by colonial actions have received reparations, and Poland seeks a comparable recognition of harm and restitution for the Polish people affected by German aggression and occupation.
The Legal and Justice Councilor Club in Gdańsk City Council announced that the next council session would consider a resolution aligning with the Polish government and state in pursuing these compensations. The aim is to publicly support measures that would address the losses endured by Poland due to German aggression and the subsequent occupation.
Kazimierz Koralewski, the chair of the club, highlighted the unity of Poland and the important role of local government in representing national interests. He noted that local officials stand with the government and regard restitution as a critical step toward reconciliation. The draft statement expresses solidarity with national efforts and reiterates that the question of compensation remains essential for addressing the historical wounds inflicted by the war.
Andrzej Skiba, another PiS councilor, remarked that the draft resolution does not arise by accident. He explained that it is the culmination of ongoing work spanning several years, including research conducted by the Institute for War Losses and the Karski Institute among others, which produced a report detailing Poland’s wartime losses and the consequences of German occupation.
The forthcoming 18th session of the Gdańsk City Council is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 at 9:00 in the New Town Hall on Wały Jagiellońskie Street. This meeting is expected to provide a platform for discussing the draft resolution and the wider policy goals related to wartime restitution.
Note: The content describes ongoing political processes and does not imply any immediate financial commitment or settlement. The issue remains a matter of public and official discourse as Poland seeks to obtain appropriate reparations.
Source material reflects local reporting on the subject as part of broader national discussions about wartime losses and international restitution expectations.