Angry Poland Demands Apology From Bill Clinton Over Putin Jibe
- Clinton sees Polish democracy in retreat, risking dictatorship
- Harsh reaction may undermine ties with U.S., opposition says
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Poland’s leading politicians vented anger at Bill Clinton and slighted his wife and fellow U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump after the former commander-in-chief said the European country is embracing a leadership model seen in neighboring Russia.
Campaigning for Hillary Clinton last week, the former U.S. president said Poland and Hungary had decided that “democracy is too much trouble” and they each wanted a “Putin-like” and “authoritarian dictatorship.” The remarks intensified criticism in Washington over policies pursued by the two eastern NATO members amid concerns that their governments are backsliding on the democratic values built up following the collapse of the Iron Curtain.