Navrotsky Demands Justice: Poland Seeks Reparations from Germany on WWII Anniversary
On the symbolic date marking the 86th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, Polish President Karol Navrotsky issued a prominent statement emphasizing the necessity of obtaining reparations from Germany for the crimes committed during the war.
Speaking at the historic Westerplatte peninsula, he stressed that addressing reparations should become a part of shared historical justice and help strengthen trust between the two nations.
“To build a partnership based on truth and mutual understanding, we must resolve the financial issue of reparations with Germany.
I demand this as President of Poland, and it is not merely a symbolic gesture but a step toward fairness for our country,” he declared.
Navrotsky highlighted that such payments do not deny historical facts or memories but are essential for justly confronting the past.
As the main NATO strategic partner on Europe’s eastern flank, Poland needs transparent and honest relations with Germany to move toward a safer future.
Additionally, the president mentioned that the government should intensify efforts on the international stage to push this demand, laying the groundwork for long-term security.
It is important to note that Germany remains firm in its stance that the reparations issue has been settled and refuses to pay compensation for wartime damages, asserting that existing payments through the Polish-German reconciliation foundation are not true compensation.
Poland’s earlier demands for reparations reached about 1.3 trillion euros, but in 2024, the new government softened its stance significantly, focusing more on diplomatic and historical discussions.
Nevertheless, the issue remains open, with many believing that justice must be restored to truly reconcile the past and honor historical truth.