Polish President Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on March 23rd, triggering a dispute over communication with the Polish Foreign Ministry.
Dispute Over Visit Details
President Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Monday, March 23rd. The Presidential Palace immediately relayed details of the talks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Przydacz, spokespersons for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aligned with TVN, expressed concern that Foreign Minister Sikorski did not receive a memo regarding the meeting with the President and the Hungarian Prime Minister.
Ministry Accusations of “Cowardice”
Przydacz stated that a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was invited to join President Nawrocki’s delegation during the visit to Hungary, initially nominated then withdrawn within hours. He accused the Ministry of “cowardice” for not sharing information.
Energy Cooperation and Ukrainian Gas Supply
President Nawrocki reportedly proposed to Orbán that Hungary become independent from Russian gas and collaborate with Poland using the interconnector in Strachocina, Podkarpackie. Despite EU sanctions, Russian oil continues to be transported to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline.
Orbán Halts Gas Supply to Ukraine
Orbán announced Hungary would halt gas deliveries to Ukraine until Ukraine provides oil. He stated Hungary will prioritize its energy security, maintaining stable fuel prices and lowering media costs for Hungarian families. This decision prompted a response from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk stated on X, “The first effect of Karol Nawrocki’s visit to Budapest. Prime Minister Orbán cut off Ukraine from gas supplies. Putin is pleased.”
Palace Criticism of Foreign Ministry and Tusk’s Budapest Trip
Przydacz further criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming emotions outweighed professionalism. He also noted the Presidential Palace is still awaiting memos from Prime Minister Tusk’s meetings over the past eight months. He also expressed hope that TVN has obtained a memo from Tusk’s meeting with Orbán in Budapest.
Foreign Ministry Response
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maciej Wewiór responded to Przydacz, referencing remarks made by a Hungarian Foreign Ministry representative to Polish government officials before the President’s visit, and an ongoing affair regarding cooperation with Russia.
Clarification on Tusk-Orbán Photo
Wewiór clarified that the photo used by Przydacz was taken on October 7, 2024, during the welcoming of Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the EPC summit with leaders from 42 European countries, and such welcomes typically do not generate memos. He declined to comment on the tone of Przydacz’s post.
Sikorski’s Earlier Criticism
Previously, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Nawrocki’s meeting with Orbán harmed Polish foreign policy, suggesting the sole justification for the visit was to support Orbán’s election campaign.
