A boulder in Berlin – a memorial symbol or a substitute theme? What about reparations for Poland?

A temporary monument – a massive boulder – commemorating Polish victims of World War II was unveiled in Berlin. Is such a gesture enough to close the subject of reparations and honorably celebrate millions of murdered Poles? Is it a real commemoration, or is it a symbolic "slap in the face"?

A boulder in Berlin – a gesture or a makeshifter?

On June 16, 2025, in a symbolic place – at the site of the former Kroll Opera, where Hitler announced the attack on Poland – an almost 30-ton boulder with a plaque dedicated to Polish victims of Nazism and German occupation was unveiled. This initiative, though long awaited, creates mixed feelings in Poland. For some commentators, it is the first real step towards commemoration, for others – a temporary solution that does not reflect the scale of Polish losses and suffering.

Controversial dress of Minister Wróblewski

During the unveiling ceremony of the boulder commemorating Polish victims of the Second World War in Berlin, considerable controversy sparked the choice of footwear by Hanna Wróblewski. The Minister of Culture appeared in sneakers, which immediately became the subject of criticism on social media. Some commentators found such an outfit inappropriate and unworthy of the event, calling it "a shame" and "a shame".

What's the memorial look like?

• Stone with plaque in three languages (Polish, German, English)
• Symbolic place – German aggression on Poland started here
• The announcement of the target monument and the German-Polish House, which is also to serve as an educational and integration function

Does the boulder close the reparation?

In Germany, the topic of reparation for Poland is considered legally closed. The new Chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear during his visit to Warsaw that "the theme of reparation is finished". Poland – according to the report of 2022 – demands more than PLN 6 trillion from Germany for war damage, but Berlin does not intend to negotiate on this matter.

Suggestions of Internet users how a monument should look

The Internet users quickly caught on to the stone and offered what the monument should look like in their opinion

What do German and Polish media say?

• German media admit that gestures and words of repentance are not enough – "Der Spiegel" writes that Germany is "morally losers" if they do not take real financial action towards Poland, Italy or Greece.
• In Poland, the feeling that a boulder is not enough dominates. Opposition politicians and netizens criticise the symbolic gesture, pointing to the lack of real compensation and delay in building the right monument.

Are the Germans mocking us?

In the network, there is no lack of voices that such commemoration is a "slap in the face" and an attempt to close the case with one stone. "Is it a metaphor that there is no stone left on the stone from Warsaw?" commented Internet users. Opposition politicians stress that after 80 years of the end of the war, such a gesture is insufficient and late.

Reparations – where are the billions for Polish losses?

Poland, despite decades, did not receive compensation from Germany for war damage. Material and human losses are difficult to imagine – every Polish family was affected by occupation. Germany consistently refuses to pay reparations, citing Poland's alleged resignation in 1953, although historians emphasize that the government at the time did not have democratic legitimacy.

Key figures:

Symbol or real change?

The temporary monument in Berlin is a step towards commemoration of Polish victims, but it does not close the subject of reparation or debate on German responsibility. For many Poles it is not enough to expect not only symbols but also real actions, including financial compensation for the loss and suffering of millions of compatriots.

True reconciliation requires more than stone – it requires courage, integrity and readiness to account for the past. Are the Germans ready for this? Time will tell.