"The courtesy of Germany does not gain points in the run in Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk shares any of the political views of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but utmost right-wing Polish parties proceed to fuel resentiments towards the western neighbour," writes Viktoria Grossman in a commentary published in the weekend edition of "Sueddeutsche Zeitung".
Referring to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's farewell visit to Prime Minister Tusk on Wednesday (16.04.20125) in Warsaw, the author writes that "nearly nobody noticed it". Grossmann pointed out that there was no press service and that there was no conference with journalists.
Poles are waiting for a fresh German government
The writer "SZ" pointed out that Poles are waiting with hope for a fresh German government. The authorities in Warsaw are counting on the transfer of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine and anticipate that the financial package adopted by the Bundestag will revive the German economy. A affirmative aspect is the inclusion of points concerning Poland in the coalition agreement, including the announcement of the expansion of railway infrastructure and the revival of the Weimar Triangle.
"It looks like a fresh good start will be possible" - said the author, correspondent "SZ" in Warsaw. As he writes, Poland expects Germany to have more determination in defence policy and support in its efforts to seal the east border. Details are unknown due to the fact that Tusk rejects the asylum compromise developed by the European Union. In addition, Poland is very irritated by the border controls introduced by Germany. Tusk calls them "unacceptable".
Nobody wants to go to Berlin.
How much will Tusk want to meet Merze? – the author wonders. It reminds that there is simply a run in Poland before the presidential elections. Good relations with Germany can be the origin of failure, which could be observed during the tv debate in the horse. "The answer to the question of where the first abroad journey of candidates would lead, says everything: nobody wants to go to Berlin," we read in "SZ". Neither did the author add to Kiev.
Liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski besides did not dare to name 1 of these 2 capitals. The reason is most likely fear of attacks from the right-wing nationalist PiS party, which faithfully stands at Donald Trump and distanced itself from the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski.
Will Tusk stand next to Merz?
Trzaskowski's competitor, supported by the Law and Justice Karol Nawrocki, repeats that "he will not be a servant of Germany". Anti-German slogans, repeated for years, are popular in Poland. For this reason, Tusk, Trzaskowski and another politicians avoid anything that may be an excuse to accuse them of being “close to Germany”.
Grossmann recalled that a memorial site dedicated to the victims of the 3rd Reich and the business is to be erected in the area of the Bundestag, and a temporary memorial will be unveiled there on 8 May. On the Polish side, it is said that Friedrich Merz, after being sworn in as Chancellor in early May, could pay tribute to the victims. “This motion would be very welcome in Poland. The question remains whether Tusk would dare stand next to Merza" – he wonders in the conclusions of Viktoria Grossmann.
