German President Seeks Forgiveness for Nazi Atrocities in Historic Visit to Kandanos

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a poignant visit to the village of Kandanos in Crete on Thursday, where he formally acknowledged and apologised for the atrocities committed by Nazi forces there during World War II.

Speaking in Greek, Steinmeier addressed survivors and descendants of the victims, saying, "I ask you, the survivors and descendants, for your forgiveness for the heinous crimes perpetrated here by Germans." He expressed remorse on behalf of Germany for the brutality inflicted upon the village and for Germany's initial failure to confront these crimes after the war.

Reflecting on the enduring horror of the Nazi occupation, Steinmeier remarked, "The brutality, the savagery, the contempt for human life shown by the German occupiers still takes my breath away today." He emphasized the importance of remembrance, noting, “Without remembrance, there is no future. No future together and in peace.” He highlighted the work of the German-Greek Future Fund, which since 2014 has aimed to build a shared culture of remembrance and understanding between the two nations.

Kandanos, one of the first villages destroyed by German troops, holds significant historical and emotional weight, and Steinmeier acknowledged the difficulty for both him and the residents in marking this occasion together. He thanked the villagers for their hospitality in welcoming him despite the painful history.

While Steinmeier did not address the issues of war reparations and the occupation loan directly, Kandanos Mayor Antonis Perakis raised the matter during the event. Perakis expressed hope that Steinmeier's visit could help open a dialogue between Greece and Germany on these unresolved issues, which remain an important pursuit for the Greek government.

Earlier, Steinmeier laid a wreath in memory of the fallen in Kandanos and spoke with survivors, who reiterated their calls for justice and reparations.

(Source: Amna)