Bundestag approves permanent memorial for Polish World War II victims

Germany’s Bundestag has voted to replace a temporary Berlin monument with a permanent memorial honoring Polish victims of World War II, including those who suffered under German occupation and the Nazi regime.

Germany's Bundestag has approved a pernament Berlin memorial for Polish World War II victims, with broad support across most parties. Only the far-right AfD opposed the motion, and a design competition for the memorial is planned for next year.

Photo: CLEMENS BILAN/PAP/EPA

 The resolution, passed by a broad majority, instructs Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to move forward with the project.

The vote saw support from the governing Christian Democrats (CDU), Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and the Left Party, reflecting cross-party agreement on the importance of commemorating Poland’s wartime suffering.

CDU lawmaker Knut Abraham said the decision marked “a special moment for Germany’s relations with its eastern neighbour, Poland,” and emphasized the country’s commitment to remembering the victims of German violence.

Only the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opposed the motion, with two deputies voting against and the rest abstaining.

AfD lawmaker Götz Frömming argued that ongoing debates over reparations had strained relations with Poland, claiming the memorial would not improve ties.

CDU members criticized Frömming, noting past AfD remarks suggesting greater concern over Poland than Russia.

A design competition for the permanent memorial is expected to be announced next year.

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Source: IAR