Polish presidential candidate pledges better ties with Russia, says she would talk to Putin
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Poland's leading left-wing candidate for president has pledged to normalize relations with Russia, saying that she would be willing to speak to President Vladimir Putin.
Magdalena Ogorek criticized Poland's current leadership for its strong critical stance toward Russia and suggested it bears some blame for the deep tensions between the two neighbors.
The Democratic Left Alliance candidate told a party congress Saturday that Poland cannot afford to continue being described as "enemy number one" in the Russian media.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}She said the party condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine but wants Warsaw and Moscow to communicate.
She said, "I would not be afraid to answer messages from Vladimir Putin and I would pick up the receiver to call the president of the Russian federation."
The presidential election will be held May 10.