German Defense Minister and member of the CDU, Ursula von der Leyen, arrives for exploratory talks on a coalition between the German Christian Democratic Union party (CDU), the Christian Social Union party (CSU), the German Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Green Party in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
November 03, 2017 - 2:19 PM
WARSAW, Poland - Poland's government is protesting a comment by the German defence minister, calling it an "unacceptable" attempt to meddle in Poland's internal affairs.
German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said during a talk show Thursday on German's ZDF broadcaster that it is important to support the "healthy, democratic resistance of the young generation" in Poland. The comment came as part of a discussion of the many troubles the European Union faces, including the erosion of liberal democracy in parts of Central Europe.
Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said on Friday that he wants von der Leyen to retract the words, which he called "unacceptable." He said the comment is evidence of "German politicians trying to interfere in the internal affairs of Poland."
News from © The Associated Press, 2017