Odzurzanie

Odzurzanie is a term that emerged in Polish discourse, generally referring to the act of "de-communizing" or removing the remnants of the communist era from public life, institutions, and historical narratives. It encompasses a range of efforts aimed at distancing contemporary Poland from its past under communist rule. This process can involve the removal of communist-era symbols, such as statues and street names, and the re-evaluation of historical events and figures associated with that period.

The concept of odurzanie is often linked to the broader process of lustration, which involves vetting individuals for positions of power to ensure they did not collaborate with the communist secret police. It also extends to the reinterpretation of history, emphasizing the suffering and resistance experienced by Poles during communist times, and critically examining the actions of those who supported or benefited from the regime. Debates surrounding odurzanie often touch upon issues of historical justice, national identity, and the appropriate way to memorialize the past. The extent and nature of odurzanie have been subjects of ongoing discussion and political debate in Poland since the fall of communism in 1989.