Polish President Calls for WWII Reparations During Berlin Visit

4 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO

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Above: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Sept. 16, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Omer Messinger/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Germany has already fulfilled its historical obligations and the reparations issue was legally resolved in 1953 when Poland waived all claims. Poland forgets that Germany lost considerable land in both world wars, and to rehash these demands undermines the strong partnership both countries need to face current threats from Russia.

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Establishment-critical narrative

Germany's dismissal of Polish reparation claims ignores moral duty. Poland suffered the greatest WWII losses per capita, with six million dead and cities razed to the ground, yet received under one percent of what Berlin paid Western nations. 1950s waivers under Soviet pressure lack legitimacy, with the Polish people deserving to be compensated for these crimes.

Reparations for Poland Politico