Tusk and Reparations in Focus
The discussion around compensation for living World War II victims is only part of Germany’s obligation to Poland. Officials insist that this does not absolve Germany of responsibility for civilian deaths, forced labor, the abduction of children, and the widespread harm endured by generations. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed this point while commenting on remarks from the head of the governing party about reparations.
During a Friday meeting in Bytom, residents pressed Prime Minister Tusk on Germany’s reparations. A man who described his ancestors as having endured harsh labor framed the question as a direct expectation from the Polish government. He accused the ruling party of trivializing the reparations issue.
Tusk responded that he did not mock reparations or scoff at the effort. He noted that his party supported the first reparations resolution many years ago, and he criticized the current administration for how it handles the issue.
He added that if PiS assigns Mularczyk to pursue reparations, it should be clear that results may still be elusive. The exchange underscored a broader debate over how Polish leaders should pursue compensation for past harms.
The PO leader argued that politics should serve Polish interests and that any available funds should be claimed for the nation. He pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Poles born during or shortly after World War II continue to feel the consequences of the German aggression.
I believe there is still potential and room to win. If entrusted with the Polish government, efforts would focus not only on European funds but also on securing compensation for those harmed by the German attack who are still alive. The aim would be to deliver justice for those born during the war and those who suffered as a result of it. The goal is to act decisively rather than to travel around the world chasing headlines, he said.
Tusk also criticized the ruling camp, labeling some politicians as impressed by reparations papers and using the topic as a political tool.
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Official Response from the Deputy Head of the State Department
Later, Tusk’s remarks drew comments from the deputy head of the State Department via social media. The deputy affirmed that compensation for living WWII victims forms only a portion of what Germany owes to Poland. He noted that this cannot substitute for the full compensation due for the murder of millions, the forced labor of millions, the abduction of tens of thousands of children, and the missed opportunities across generations.
The deputy emphasized these points in a post on Twitter, underscoring the broader scope of reparations that Poland seeks.
Loss Report
Last September a report was presented detailing Poland’s losses from German aggression and occupation during World War II. In October, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau signed a diplomatic note to the German side requesting reparations. The note outlines compensation for material and immaterial losses totaling several billion zlotys and for damages incurred during the conflict.
In January this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the German government had responded to the October 3, 2022 note. The response stated that the issue of reparations and compensation for war losses remains closed and that there are no plans to reopen negotiations.
Source: wPolityce