Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the Warsaw Uprising, which was suppressed by the Nazis in 1944, as one of the cruelest chapters in the history of relations between the two countries. The German president condemned the imperialism and racism of the National Socialists.
Photo: Friedemann Kohler/dpa/picture alliance
On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which was celebrated on August 1, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier asked Poles for forgiveness for the crimes of the National Socialists during World War II. On July 31, at a memorial event held in the central square of the Polish capital, attended by hundreds of listeners and Polish President Andrzej Duda, the German head of state spoke to the survivors of the uprising, saying: “Today and here I apologize. ”
“We should not forget the countless sufferings that the Germans caused to the neighboring country, the brutality of the German occupiers against the entire population,” Steinmeyer said. The imperialism and racism of the National Socialists led to the “horrible crimes” that the participants in the uprising opposed, he added. Lessons from the past must be learned for the future, the German president said.
About the relationship between Berlin and Warsaw
The Warsaw Uprising was “one of the most brutal chapters” in the history of relations between the two countries and “one of the greatest acts of heroism in the history of Poland,” Steinmeier said. “This is an example of the will to assert oneself, the desire not to let freedom be won without a fight,” added the German president, recalling “the courage of soldiers who hate death.”
The head of the German state called it “almost a miracle” that Poles and Germans have become good neighbors. It’s been a long road to this point, Steinmeier admitted. Now Berlin and Warsaw have pledged to “work in unity and peace for the sake of our neighbors and friends,” he said.
“This day forces us to do the following: never again allow injustice and freedom, never again allow aggression and occupation in Europe,” the German president said, recalling Russia’s armed attack against Ukraine. Russia “wants to destroy Ukraine and threatens us all,” added the German leader.
A monument to Polish victims of the Nazis will be erected in Berlin
Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the second German president since Roman Herzog in 1994 to apologize to Poles for the crimes of the National Socialists on a significant day of remembrance for the Polish people.
During his visit to Warsaw, Steinmeier spoke about the German government’s plans to build a memorial to the victims of Polish National Socialism in Berlin. The representatives of both countries are in close contact in this regard, he added.
At the same time, the German president did not provide any information about the compensation that could be paid to Poland. The Polish government led by Donald Tusk has previously called on Germany to provide financial compensation for the losses suffered by the Nazis during World War II. Official Berlin considers the issue of compensation legally closed.
Warsaw Uprising
The Warsaw Uprising began on August 1, 1944. It was organized by the secret command of the Krai army and representatives of the Polish government-in-exile.
The uprising lasted 63 days and was put down on October 2. During two months of fierce fighting, about 200,000 people died, most of them civilians, and Warsaw was almost completely destroyed.
