A row about the Grunwald Bridge. PiS does not hide their indignation
The planned renovation of the Grunwald Bridge in Wrocław has not yet begun, and has already aroused powerful emotions. The reason is not the scale of investments or dates, but the decision to restore the historical, German inscription “Kaiserbrücke”, and with it imperial symbols from the time before World War II. Although the conservator of monuments ensures that it is only about restoring the original nature of the monument, there is no shortage of outrage, especially from Law and Justice politicians.
According to the provincial conservator of monuments Daniel Gibski, the revitalization project assumes the restoration of architectural elements that were an integral part of the bridge since its creation in 1910. – The plan is to restore two decorative pediments with the imperial crown, the Hohenzollern coat of arms, as well as the decorative inscription “Kaiserbrücke”, or “Imperial Bridge”. They will appear exactly in those places where they were in the original version – he already told the portal in February Tuwroclaw.com.
As emphasized, reproduction of these details does not mean a complete restoration of the state before the war. The bridge, which has been partially destroyed and rebuilt in post -war Poland, has currently a changed structure. For example, pavements that were much wider before the war will remain narrow – so that both cars and trams fit.
Dispute about symbols. The right talks about “Germanization”
The decision to return the German inscription does not mean changing the official name of the bridge – this one remains unchanged. However, the very fact of reconstruction of German details caused a sharp reaction of some public opinion, especially right -wing environments. Law and justice politicians are demanding the intervention of the Ministry of Culture and the withdrawal of permission issued by the conservator.
An interpellation signed by Elżbieta Witek and Paweł Hreniak has already been sent to the ministry.
– Many Wrocław residents cannot accept the attempt to “revive” the symbol of our city. Its current shape, formed as a result of post -war reconstruction, reflects the Polish history of the city and the effort of reconstruction after war damage. Recreating elements such as domes, imperial eagles, Hohenzollern arms or the inscription “Kaiserbrücke” raises justified concerns about unnecessary referring to the German past, which can be perceived as an attempt to “exterminate” its character and undermining the Polish identity of Wrocław – wrote MPs in the interpellation.
In their opinion, “a reference to the history of imperial Germany and the Prussian Hohenzollern dynasty, which actively participated in the partitions of Poland, is incomprehensible and outrageous.” Finally, parliamentarians ask whether the Minister of Culture and National Heritage will take action against the conservator of monuments and withdraw their consent to implement the controversial project.
Conservator: “This is an apolitical effect and in accordance with the rules”
However, the voivodship conservator of monuments has no doubt as to the legitimacy of the decision issued. He emphasizes that his actions are only substantive and conservation.
– The project ordered by the Wrocław municipality assumed the restoration of the original character of the bridge, along with the original decoration and inscriptions – explained Daniel Gibski and added – restoring the original character of Lower Silesian monuments is the most reasonable, conservatory action, which is important – completely apolitical; An attempt to include this field in political games should be evaluated as a repair as a straightforward action from the right era, as well as an attempt to manipulate the original form of our monuments.
When will the renovation start?
The renovation of the Grunwald Bridge, which will not only cover the restoration of decorative details, but also technical work, will take two years. The specific date of commencement of works has not yet been announced. It is known, however, that the crossing will not be closed earlier than after the planned renovation of the track on the nearby room bridge.
As Ewa Mazur from the Road and Maintenance Board explains, it is not possible to work on both bridges at the same time.
“These two crossings cannot be closed to traffic at the same time,” Mazur emphasized.
