Greek Leaders Revive Reparations Demand During Steinmeier Visit

During his visit to Greece, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier faced renewed Greek demands for World War II reparations and acknowledgment of a forced occupation loan. Greek leaders, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, emphasized that these issues remain significant for the Greek populace. Steinmeier acknowledged Germany's historical responsibility for wartime atrocities but maintained that the legal question regarding reparations is considered closed under international law. Protesters at a refugee camp greeted him with shouts of 'Germany', reflecting tensions surrounding both the reparations issue and current migration challenges. Steinmeier's visit included stops at sites of Nazi atrocities and discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and migration. Despite the ongoing disputes, he reiterated Germany's commitment to projects like a Holocaust museum in Thessaloniki, aimed at addressing historical grievances.