Polish President Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Monday, sparking criticism from Warsaw over Orbán’s pro-Russian stance.
President Nawrocki Meets with Orbán on Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day
Polish President Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Monday to commemorate Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day. The meeting’s primary focus was the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
However, the visit drew sharp criticism from the Polish government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the meeting occurred “against the recommendation and opinions of the Polish government.”
Tusk Accuses Orbán of Pro-Russian, Anti-European Actions
Prime Minister Tusk emphasized that supporting Viktor Orbán’s “pro-Russian and anti-European actions” is not in Poland’s interest. He directly addressed President Nawrocki, stating he has “Polish obligations, not Russian ones.”
Sharp Criticism from Parliament Speaker Czarzasty
Parliament Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty strongly condemned the visit, posting on social media, “Today with Orbán, tomorrow with Putin.”
Presidential Spokesperson Defends Visit, Attacks Czarzasty’s Past
Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz responded, dismissing Czarzasty’s statement as “curious,” given his “long-term active involvement in the Polish United Workers’ Party, expressing gratitude today for the ‘liberation’ of Poland by the Soviets in 1945.” Leśkiewicz also questioned Czarzasty’s business ties with Russians.
The response also highlighted concerns regarding Czarzasty’s relationship with Svetlana Chestnykh, a Russian citizen and art expert linked to the Czarzasty family business. The matter was previously raised at the National Security Council at Nawrocki’s initiative.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Accused of Sharing EU Meeting Details with Russia
The meeting coincided with accusations against Hungary. “The Washington Post” reported that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó allegedly relayed details of EU meetings to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The European Commission expressed concern over these reports.
European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated the reports of the Hungarian Foreign Minister disclosing details of discussions to his Russian counterpart were “very worrying.” The Hungarian government has denied the allegations.
Orbán’s Pro-Russian Ties and Russian Order of Friendship
Szijjártó frequently visits Russia. On March 4th, he met with Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. In late 2021, prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Szijjártó was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship, which he stated he was “proud” to receive.
Orbán himself is known for his pro-Russian statements within the EU, blocking aid to Ukraine, and questioning the country’s “independence and sovereignty.” He also regularly meets with Putin.
Previous Meeting Canceled Due to Orbán’s Kremlin Visit
President Nawrocki and Prime Minister Orbán were previously scheduled to meet on December 3rd of last year, but the meeting was canceled due to Orbán’s visit to the Kremlin. The ruling coalition believes Nawrocki’s visit to Budapest is intended to provide official support for Orbán in the upcoming April parliamentary elections in Hungary.