Polish scientist, winner of the Nobel Prize, was born in Warsaw with Skłodowska surname, before she married French Pierre Curie …
The new design of the euro banknote has caused a long-term controversy between France and Poland on the legacy of the winner of the Marie Curie Prize (born Skłodowska), euronews.
Born in Warsaw 1867. years, Skłodowska-Curie was later moved to France, where she became the first woman who received the Nobel Prize – in 1903. years of physics, along with his wife Pierre.
These recognitions do not stop – the famous scientist also received the Nobel Award for Chemistry for eight years later, which became the only person in history that received Nobel awards in two different scientific areas.
During his life, he used different versions of his surname – while her husband was alive, she signed as Skłodowska-Curie, but later everything more often just like M. Curie.
Her personal history has come to the focus again after the European Central Bank (ECB) announced a new batch of banknotes, including the 20-euro banknotes could be found just Skłodowska-Curie.
Dispute names
In Poland, this decision caused a wave of dissatisfaction.
For many Poles, the omission of her maiden name – or his replacement of French version – is not just a formal question, but also symbolic.
They perceive this as another example of the underestimation of the contribution of Poland to European history.
The political dimension of this controversy became apparent when Polish media and commentators noted that other historical characters were – like Miguela de Cervantes or Ludwiga van Beethoven – retained their original names in all language versions.
In response to criticism, the ECB pointed out that it takes into account the complexity of this issue.
“We consult various historical and language sources to determine the most appropriate way to guide the name,” said the spokesperson of the institution.
The working version of “Marie Curie (born Skłodowska)” was conceived to reflect its double identity, he added.
Replacing old banknotes to new
In January, the ECB administrative Council announced that two final topics for the planned banknotes: “Rivers and Birds” and “European culture”.
The topic that receives the most public support and the jury will enter the final circle and become part of the new banknote design.
If the topic of “European culture” is beat, then the design with Skłodowska-Curie, which is currently showing how to lecture in the room full of books, could become a reality.
However, the ECB administrative Council will choose the best design only in 2026. years.
After that decision, it will pass a few more years before new banknotes enter into circulation. Current euro banknotes will not stop immediately when new ones are introduced.
