CP of Poland: “Preserve the memory of the victims of fascist crimes and the heroes of the struggle against fascism”

The Communist Party of Poland (CPP) released a statement denouncing the change of street names by the right wing authorities with the excuse of “Decommunisation Act” on the 10th of May, only one day after the anniversary of the Great Victory against fascism.

ICP, 16 June 2017

The Communist Party of Poland (CPP) released a statement denouncing the change of street names by the right wing authorities with the excuse of “Decommunisation Act” on the 10th of May, only one day after the anniversary of the Great Victory against fascism.  Among the Street names to be changed in Wroclaw are the ones that commemorate the victims of Nazi fascism, who died Auschwitz concentration camp. While the public heroes are attempted to be erased from social memory, CPP points out “nationalists and bandits are being promoted as new heroes. Even the perpetrators of war crimes and ethnic cleansing go on the street names” in order to cherish fascism.

CPP also stated that “Changes of street names carried out under the ‘Decommunisation Act’ serves the purpose of falsifying History in the interest of the ruling right wing. Historical policy implemented by the state institutions discriminates, on political grounds, anyone associated with communism, regardless of his/her significance or achievements. The list of toponyms that are to be changed is still expanding and includes not only those directly involved in the communist activity.”

According to CPP, religious reactionist forces and state institutions also play a role in the right wing rewriting of history. CPP indicates “As a result of current historical policy, the nationalist and neo-fascist movements act unpunished. With the support of the state institutions and the Catholic church, they openly organize marches and other propaganda actions. We cannot allow this, especially in a country that suffered enormous losses as a result of genocidal policies of the Nazis during the Second World War.”

The Party’s declaration also underlines the importance of a strong resistance among the society in stopping such acts and calls for Polish people to “oppose decommunisation of the streets and historical remembrance”.