Polish PiS politicians visited Budapest to demonstrate support for Viktor Orbán ahead of crucial parliamentary elections, prompting a sharp response from the Polish government.
PiS Support for Orbán Sparks Criticism
Politicians from the Law and Justice (PiS) party traveled to Budapest to support Viktor Orbán just before a key parliamentary vote in Hungary. The visit, intended as a show of political support, drew strong criticism from representatives of the Polish government and reignited debate about Warsaw’s relationship with Budapest.
Delegation Visits Budapest and Commemorates Smolensk Disaster
Among those who traveled to the Hungarian capital were Marcin Wójcik, Maria Kurowska, and Jan Kanthak. The politicians posted photos on social media, explicitly declaring their support for Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party. One photo showed them posing in front of the Memento Smoleńsk monument, commemorating the victims of the Smolensk disaster and symbolizing Polish-Hungarian relations.
Meeting with Zbigniew Ziobro and Legal Concerns
The visit also included an official component, with the delegation laying flowers at the monument, attended by local authorities, parliamentarians, and representatives of the Polish diaspora. Marcin Wójcik reported that the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, with discussions covering the current political situation. A meeting with Zbigniew Ziobro, currently abroad, also took place, amid potential legal actions signaled by the Hungarian opposition leader, Peter Magyar, though this was not discussed during the meetings.
Hungarian Polls Show Opposition Lead
The PiS delegation’s visit coincided with polling data indicating a clear lead for the opposition. Data from late March 2026 shows a consistent downward trend in support for Fidesz.
Polling Data Details
A Publicus Institute poll conducted between March 27th and 30th showed 49% of Hungarians favoring the Tisza party, while 35% supported Fidesz. Earlier, IDEA Intézet recorded a 12-point lead for Peter Magyar’s party – 46% versus 34%. Further, Median showed Tisza at 58% and Fidesz at 35%, while 21 Research Center showed 56% for the opposition and 37% for Orbán’s party.
Government Response: Szłapka Criticizes PiS Actions
The visit to Budapest met with a sharp reaction from government spokesman Adam Szłapka, who deemed the actions of PiS politicians controversial and even compromising in the context of the current international situation. He criticized Orbán’s relationship with Russia and his policies towards the Kremlin, questioning the gesture of support.
Geopolitical Context and Shifting Alliances
Szłapka’s statement reflects broader tensions surrounding Hungary’s foreign policy. Orbán’s government has taken a more cautious line than most EU countries since the Russian aggression against Ukraine, opposing some sanctions and maintaining economic ties with Moscow, particularly in the energy sector. The trip can be seen as an attempt to maintain the long-standing ideological alliance between conservative circles in Poland and Hungary, but this model of cooperation is weakening due to shifting political landscapes in both countries.
Orbán’s Campaign and Mobilization Efforts
Facing declining support, Viktor Orbán is intensifying mobilization efforts, focusing on energy security and migration issues. The government in Budapest has also taken steps to protect critical infrastructure, including gas pipelines, to project stability and responsibility. Orbán is also seeking international support, including from conservative circles in the United States, but analysts believe these efforts may not be enough to reverse the downward trend in the polls.