On February 16th, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) in Poland, expressed strong criticism towards Germany during a press conference. He reiterated his party's decision to vote against the SAFE defense initiative, arguing that it had significant political implications tied to German leadership in Europe. Kaczyński suggested that this push for leadership by Germany comes with serious consequences, framing the country's past involvement in both World Wars as a foundational reason for skepticism about its ambition for European dominance.

Kaczyński's remarks also included a provocative statement implying that Germany owes apologies for its historical actions, particularly its role in instigating World War II and its failure to address the consequences of its Nazi crimes fully. He emphasized that Germany is the last country that should seek leadership in Europe without reconciling with its past, pointing out that reparations owed to victims have yet to be paid. His comments reflect a broader narrative within Poland regarding historical grievances and the current geopolitical landscape in Europe, particularly in relation to Germany's perceived dominance.

The exchange between Kaczyński and former foreign minister Radosław Sikorski underscores a deep-seated tension between Poland and Germany, as Sikorski responded to Kaczyński's remarks by suggesting that exorcisms might be necessary for the political atmosphere. This incident illustrates how historical legacies can shape contemporary political discourse, particularly in Eastern Europe, and how such tensions may influence Poland's foreign policy and approaches to European unity under German influence.