Polish President Andrzej Duda has reignited the debate over Germany’s responsibility for the immense losses Poland suffered during World War II. Speaking at a council meeting in Wieluń, Duda emphasized that, despite the reconciliation efforts and apologies from Germany, the financial compensation for the destruction and loss of life has never been adequately addressed.
Human and Material Losses
Duda highlighted that Poland’s greatest loss was in its human capital, with over 5 million citizens perishing due to the war. According to experts, the total damages are estimated at 6.22 trillion PLN, of which more than 70% pertains to human losses. The President stressed that these losses represent an “unhealed wound” in Polish society that cannot be ignored.
Duda also addressed the payments made by Germany to Polish forced laborers through the Polish-German Reconciliation Foundation, noting that the average compensation amounted to merely 160 euros per person. He questioned the seriousness of this figure in the context of the suffering endured.
The President concluded by asserting that the issue of reparations extends beyond Poland, with broader international implications. He underlined that true reconciliation requires not just forgiveness, but also adequate compensation for the irreversible damages inflicted.