News of the Day From Around the World, May 19

Poland has come under strong international criticism since the conservative Law and Justice party took power in November and moved to exert its influence over the Constitutional Tribunal and public broadcasters.

The Commission warning came as Poland’s prime minister sought an apology from former U.S. President Bill Clinton for having said that Poles think “democracy is too much trouble” and that they appear to prefer authoritarian leadership.

At least 20 people were killed in flash floods that hit the northern Afghan province of Sari Pul, an official said on Wednesday.

The area is controlled by Taliban insurgents, he said, complicating access for rescue operations.

Russian lawmakers have given tentative approval to forming a national guard, with some saying the Kremlin needs it as a tool against possible unrest.

Putin said the force would focus on the fight against extremism and organized crime, but some observers saw its creation as a reflection of Kremlin fears of possible antigovernment protests amid an economic downturn.

French police took to the streets in about 60 cities Wednesday to denounce the hatred and violence they say has been repeatedly directed at them during protests against the government’s labor reforms.

French President Francois Hollande said more than 350 police officers have been injured in clashes and 60 people have been convicted amid the labor reform protests.