Former Polish president Aleksander Kwaśniewski apologized again on a Polsat News interview for his 1999 Kharkiv visit, where he had consumed alcohol and caused controversy.
Political TV Interview
On Polsat News “Polityczny WF z gościem,” former president Aleksander Kwaśniewski discussed the Ukraine war, recent peace talks, Russia’s ties with Europe, and domestic politics. The show’s host brought up the decade‑old Kharkiv incident.
Return to 1999 Kharkiv Controversy
Kwaśniewski confirmed that, during a state visit to Kharkiv in September 1999, he had consumed alcohol, leading to a brief health episode. He expressed that he never blamed others and apologized again to those who were hurt.
Sejm Prohibition Debate
During the interview, the moderator referenced an ongoing parliamentary discussion on alcohol bans, citing former Marshal Wojciech Jaruzelski’s past measures. Kwaśniewski noted that Jaruzelski, as an abstainer, did not fully grasp the issue.
Historical Context of 1999 Visit
The visit took place on September 17, 1999, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. Kwaśniewski appeared pale and hesitant, and the most serious criticism came only after his later admission.