Poland’s Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, sparked outrage by referring to “Polish Nazis” in a speech on historical memory. Although the government later claimed it was a slip of the tongue, critics argue that such statements align with narratives diminishing Poland’s role as a victim of Nazi Germany. Among them is Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance and a candidate for the Polish presidency. He highlighted that certain historians, funded by the current government, have published works misrepresenting Poland’s role in World War II.
Nawrocki’s Pledge to Act
Nawrocki strongly opposes what he calls an “ahistorical industry of contempt” targeting Poland. He pointed to scholars like Jan Grabowski and Barbara Engelking, who have controversially discussed Polish complicity in wartime crimes. The candidate expressed deep concern over Nowacka’s remarks, questioning whether they were truly accidental. He vowed that, if elected president, he would take action against the distortion of historical truth. The debate reflects Poland’s ongoing struggle with its complex wartime history and the broader battle over national identity and memory.