“Tusk’s remarks are private opinions and contradict the official stance of both the government and parliament”, says Arkadiusz Mularczyk in an interview with Gazeta Polska Codziennie, responding to comments made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk regarding reparations from Germany.
Jacek Liziniewicz: “Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said the legal debate over possible reparations is over. Is that true?”
Arkadiusz Mularczyk: “Under the PiS government, the Sejm adopted two resolutions—first in September 2022, and then a second one in April 2023 after Germany rejected our diplomatic note. These resolutions clearly stated that the issue of compensation and reparations remains open. That was the purpose: to establish a firm position from both the Polish government and parliament. There has never been a settlement, and Poland has never renounced its claims. The matter remains unresolved. These resolutions were meant to ensure that no one could later question our stance.
Of course, now we see Donald Tusk making various statements. But these are purely personal opinions that contradict the official position of the Polish state. One must also understand that Germany takes a very rigid stance on the term “reparations,” insisting the issue is closed. But this is really a dispute over semantics—whether we call it reparations, compensation, or redress. That’s why our diplomatic note used the broadest term: “compensation.”
This is not surprising. Germany has maintained this position for years.
Germany’s stance is unfounded. There was no formal renunciation. And even if one claims such a renunciation existed, it was invalid. We believe no such act occurred because the document Germany refers to didn’t meet the formal requirements of a government declaration. It wasn’t published or formally adopted. For us, the issue remains open. The Polish state should apply pressure and compel Germany to engage in talks.
In my view, Merz’s visit to Poland was aimed at endorsing Tusk’s statements. The Chancellor understands the current political climate in Poland. He knows what Karol Nawrocki is saying during the presidential campaign. Merz wants to appear successful in foreign policy by aligning with Tusk’s remarks.”
Jacek Liziniewicz: How do you assess Donald Tusk’s recent statements?”
Arkadiusz Mularczyk: “It’s disgraceful—a betrayal of the nation. Especially given that Civic Platform politicians once promised to seek reparations. They accused us of being confrontational, claiming they could achieve results through diplomacy. Now we see the truth: their support for Germany is motivated by petty political interests. It undermines a matter of vital importance to all Poles.
Let’s be clear—this is the most important unresolved issue in Polish-German relations. It has already made its way onto the international agenda and into bilateral discussions. It cannot simply be swept under the rug.
I hope President Karol Nawrocki will make this issue a priority in dealings with Berlin. It may take time, but with persistence, I’m confident that sooner or later, we’ll force Germany to pay. Add to this the shifting geopolitical landscape—consider the potential return of President Donald Trump—and I remain optimistic.”
Read more in this weekend’s edition of Gazeta Polska Codziennie!
Wielki wiec poparcia dla represjonowanego naukowca. Prof. @Cenckiewicz z zarzutami za film #Reset. Pełna relacja z manifestacji poparcia oraz komentarze w weekendowej #GPC.
— GP Codziennie (@GPCodziennie) May 8, 2025
Czytaj od 00:00 na » https://t.co/1HYRtWiDJA
💻📲https://t.co/5oUNtNfQBb pic.twitter.com/mpDR7lRNZb