Barbara Nowacka, Minister of National Education in Donald Tusk’s government, caused controversy during an international conference marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. In her speech, she referred to “Polish Nazis”, a statement that sparked outrage online and among historians.
Critics have been quick to remind Nowacka that it was Nazi Germany that was the aggressor and perpetrator of atrocities, while Poles, alongside Jews, were among those who suffered the most in Auschwitz.
The phrase used by Nowacka at such a significant and solemn event has left many puzzled, struggling to find a rational explanation for her words. Facing widespread backlash, Nowacka later apologized for what she described as a “slip of the tongue”, clarifying that she misspoke when mentioning “Polish Nazis who built death camps on territory occupied by Germany.” However, her remarks continue to fuel heated debate and criticism.