Poland furious over German minister’s ‘unacceptable remarks’

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Europe

Poland on Monday labeled German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen’s controversial comments as “unacceptable," accusing her of calling on Poles to engage in an anti-government activity.

Von der Leyen stirred a controversy last week when she told a German television talk show that "the healthy democratic resistance of the young generation in Poland needs to be supported."

Relations between Poland and the EU and Germany plunged in August after German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the rule of law in Poland a “serious issue," saying Berlin could “not stay silent."

There have also been tensions over the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government's decision to revive the issue of war reparations which it believes Germany owes Poland – an issue that for years had been considered settled.

Appearing on the show, Von der Leyen praised Poland and the Baltic countries' fight for independence during communism and successful attempts to join the EU.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen listens to media at Amari Air Base, Estonia, March 2, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

She also insisted that the countries of that region must not be left out of changes taking place in the EU. However, Poland has recently faced EU concerns that the PiS government's controversial court reforms, which have sparked street protests, will erode judicial independence in the former communist state.

Berlin later claimed the minister's comments had been taken out of context. Poland's defense ministry summoned the German military attaché over the remarks but did not accept his explanation.

Ministry spokeswoman Anna Peziol-Wojtowicz told reporters Monday: "The Polish defense ministry considers it unacceptable that a minister of a NATO alliance member is calling the citizens of another state to anti-government activity."

A German defense ministry spokesman said Monday: "I am under the strong impression that the quotes that sparked excitement in Poland at the weekend were ripped out of context and were changed in social media."

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski later appeared to downplay the spat on Monday, saying Warsaw "does not want to start a big political debate."

He repeated however that "a country that is a friend and an ally within EU and NATO should not be disciplined" by German politicians, "especially considering the delicate ties" between the neighboring countries.

Source(s): AFP