Arkadiusz Mularczyk, a Polish Member of Parliament from the Law and Justice Party (PiS), has condemned the recent closure of the Department of Restitution of Cultural Goods. Mularczyk alleges that this move, executed under Donald Tusk’s government, serves German interests by dismantling a crucial tool in Poland’s historical policy.
Impact on Polish Historical Policy
Mularczyk argues that the department played a vital role in recovering cultural artifacts stolen during World War II, particularly from Germany. Its efforts included challenging auction houses and collaborating with international institutions to reclaim Poland’s lost treasures. The closure, he claims, is a severe blow to Poland’s historical efforts and benefits Germany by hindering restitution processes.
The MP also suggests that the closure will have broader negative impacts beyond just German interests. It may facilitate easier transactions for international art dealers and potentially hinder the recovery of stolen artifacts from other nations, including Russia. This, according to Mularczyk, undermines Poland’s position in the global arena of cultural restitution.
Mularczyk calls for transparency from current Polish government officials regarding their plans for restitution. He emphasizes that without a dedicated institution, the chances of recovering stolen cultural properties are significantly diminished, harming Poland’s historical and cultural interests.