German CDU deputy Roderich Kiesewetter said in an interview with the Polish Press Agency that Germany was “arrogant” toward Poland and must provide financial reparations for WWII victims.
“Ignorance and Pride” – Kiesewetter Slams Berlin
In a conversation with the Polish Press Agency, which was cited by Interia, Roderich Kiesewetter stated that Germany’s stance toward Poland was “full of ignorance and pride.” He added that “we were arrogant toward Poland” and that Poland should receive financial compensation for victims of the Second World War. He stressed that while war trauma cannot be fully compensated, Germany has a moral obligation to support Holocaust survivors and those who suffered from atrocities directed at the Polish nation. He also acknowledged that years of delay in responding to Polish demands had created “great mistrust.”
Reparations and a Difficult History
Kiesewetter noted that the question of reparations is “very complicated and sensitive,” particularly within German politics. He pointed to the 2+4 treaty, which he claims excludes reparative claims, and admitted that unresolved historical issues strain relations between Warsaw and Berlin. “We said: ‘we have treaties, we did this and that, so now close it up.’ That was ignorance and pride,” he said, recalling the scale of wartime destruction and the trauma inflicted on Poles.
Criticism of Nord Stream
The CDU politician sharply criticized the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline projects, calling them a “huge mistake” and an “exclusively German‑Russian venture.” He argued that the project harmed the EU’s energy policy and Ukraine. He warned of a weakening U.S. engagement in Europe and increasing Russian pressure, insisting that Europe must be ready for greater self‑sufficiency in defense and energy.
Poll: Poles Want Reparations from Germany
A SW Research poll conducted on 16–17 September by Virtual Poland asked whether Germans should pay Poland reparations for wartime damages. 59 % of respondents agreed, with nearly 40 % selecting “definitely yes.” About 18 % said Poland was not entitled to reparations, while 23 % had no opinion on the matter.
