Polish Presidential Candidate Vows Better Ties With Russia

[JustJohn or JJ]

Polish Presidential Candidate Vows Better Ties With Russia

OZAROW MAZOWIECKI, Poland — Feb 14, 2015, 3:41 PM ET
By VANESSA GERA Associated



_{Magdalena Ogorek, the social democratic party SLD (Democratic Left Alliance) candidate in the
upcoming presidential election speaks during the inauguration of her campaign on Feb. 14, 2015
in Ozarow Mazowiecki, near Warsaw.}

The presidential candidate for Poland's main left-wing party on Saturday criticized what she called the Polish government's antagonistic attitude to Russia, saying she would be willing to speak directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Magdalena Ogorek told a convention of the Democratic Left Alliance that Poland cannot afford to continue being described as "enemy No. 1" in the Russian media.

Poland's center-right government, which includes communist-era dissidents, has been one of Europe's most vocal critics of Putin's actions in Ukraine.

Ogorek said her party, the successor to the Cold War-era Communist party, condemns Russian actions in Ukraine but wants Warsaw and Moscow to communicate.

"I would not be afraid to answer messages from Vladimir Putin and I would pick up the receiver to call (him)," Ogorek said. "Russia is and will remain our neighbor."

Ogorek, 35, and several other candidates face an uphill battle in their attempt to unseat the popular incumbent, Bronislaw Komorowski, in the May 10 presidential vote. Ogorek has the support of only around 5 percent of voters, and critics say her youth and lack of political experience make her an unconvincing candidate.

Ogorek has a doctorate in history, has worked in public administration and has had minor roles in films and TV soap operas. An attempt to win a parliament seat in 2011 failed.

After her speech Saturday, Ogorek once again refused to take questions from reporters. That has sparked some criticism — and a lack of knowledge about her views has allowed some Poles to focus on things like her striking good looks and the fact that her last name means "cucumber" in Polish.

[pieter]

Interesting news and this shows Polish democracy at it's best. That there are differences of opinion. Russia is an important trade partner for Poland.

Polish export to Russia is important for the Polish economy, Polish industry and farmers. The latter want to export their apples to the Russian Federation again. But also machines, busses, trams, cars, trucks and chemical products produced in Poland are good for the Polish industry. The situation in the Ukraine is bad for many Polish, Dutch and German companies, firms and farmers. The losses are huge anf disastrous for those who depended for a large part on export to Russia.

It is good that Magdalena Ogórek wants to engage ik dialoge and thus a diplomatic course with Russia. As a direct neigbour Poland is in a difficult position. Having an instabile direct large Eastern neighbour (Ukraine), an aggressive neigbour (Russia) and an insecure North-Esstern neighbour (Lithuania). Ukraine nor Russia will dissapear. Another Eastern neighbour of Poland is an Russian allie, Belarus.

Magdalena Ogórek represents the young generation of Poles of the post-communist generation. She wants to represent that young generation whom are stuck in "junk jobs". She pleaded for the erection of a national guard made up from members of hunting- and riffle associations.

SLD party chairman and former prime-minister Leszek Miller complained that Ogórek is treated like Public Enemy number One. She receives fierce criticism from within her SLD party and from outside the party from political oponents. Agnoeszka Grzybek, chairwoman of the Green Party compared her to a "painted doll", the Polish feminist philosopher Magdalena Sroda suggested that Ogórek is 'under the command of a male'.

Former SLD youth organisation Grzegorz Gruchalski, complained that the SLD party buro delivered Ogórek as a rabit coming from the hat of a wizard, as an undemocratic choice and decision of party leadership.

Old-Solidarność leader and former President Lech Walensa who is in favor of a female Polish President, said he would like to vote for her, but only in 2025. She is too young and inexperianced in his eyes. It will be a hard struggle for her with the present popular president Bronisław Komorowski of Platforma Obywatelska (Civic Platform/PO).
Cheers,
Pieter

[Jaga]

I am glad to hear it. I agree with Pieter. Poland and Russia are too interconnected. It is better to collaborate than to establish a statue of "total enemy forever". America's policy relies on "enemies" and "allies" which leads to ridiculous situations, especially when allies are worse than enemies....sometimes.

[karl]

Pieter and Jaga

How well do I agree with both of you, for Miss Magdalena Ogorek is on the best road to progress. For friends are made, but enemies are created.

Karl