The presidents of Poland and Hungary met in Przemyśl to celebrate their countries’ friendship, while voicing contrasting views on Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Polish-Hungarian Friendship Celebrated
On Monday, March 23rd, the presidents of Poland and Hungary met in Przemyśl to commemorate Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day. President Nawrocki emphasized the deep historical roots of the relationship between the two nations, citing shared kings, national heroes, and acts of friendship throughout the 20th century.
Nawrocki stated his and his counterpart’s mission is to ensure this friendship remains resilient to short-term political fluctuations, affirming that the Polish-Hungarian alliance “endures and will endure.”
Divergent Views on Russia and Putin
Nawrocki stated that both nations share a desire for EU membership and concern for the bloc’s well-being. He noted potential areas of cooperation, including opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, skepticism towards EU climate and migration policies, and concerns about “bureaucratization and centralization” within the European Commission.
Nawrocki declared, “Like friends, we must be aware that we do not agree on everything. There are matters on which we agree to disagree.” He asserted that for Poland, Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation represent an existential threat, comparable to the Bolsheviks in 1920, and that “Poles love Hungarians, hate Vladimir Putin, who is a war criminal and nothing more.” He acknowledged that states make their own diplomatic choices.
Hungarian President Emphasizes Enduring Alliance
Hungarian President Sulyok underscored that the friendship between Hungary and Poland is an integral part of their national cultures and is not dependent on current politics. She described the Polish-Hungarian friendship as “extraordinary, unique, and deeply rooted,” highlighting shared Christian values.
Sulyok stated that for her, as President of Poland, Vladimir Putin poses a threat to the European idea, the eastern flank of NATO, and the EU, but acknowledged that even in friendship, disagreements can exist. She affirmed Poland’s clear stance on the matter.
Nawrocki to Meet with Orbán Amidst Hungarian Elections
President Nawrocki is scheduled to meet with Viktor Orbán in Budapest later on Monday. The meeting coincides with a “Great Assembly” of the far-right coalition Patriots for Europe, which includes figures like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini, known for their past pro-Kremlin sympathies.
Hungary is currently in a heated election campaign, with Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party facing their most significant challenge in years from the opposition led by Péter Magyar. Nawrocki’s visit is widely interpreted as a clear show of support for Orbán’s government.
Orbán’s Pro-Russia Stance and Criticism of Nawrocki’s Support
Orbán is currently considered the most pro-Russian leader in the European Union, repeatedly blocking EU sanctions against Moscow and military aid to Ukraine. Reports suggest the Kremlin is concerned about Orbán’s declining poll numbers.
Critics point out that Nawrocki previously built his reputation as a staunch anti-communist and head of the IPN, who oversaw the removal of Soviet monuments and warned against Moscow’s imperialism. He once refused to meet with Orbán in protest of his visit with Vladimir Putin, but is now seen as supporting Orbán despite his continued ties to Russia and obstruction of aid to Ukraine.
Polish and Czech Reactions to the Visit
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the meeting as a “fatal mistake” and “confirmation of a dangerous strategy of weakening the European Union.” Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski questioned what Polish interests were being served by the President’s involvement in a foreign election campaign supporting a pro-Russian and corrupt leader.
Czech and Slovak media report that politicians within the Visegrád Group are observing the visit with some reservation, fearing it will be used by the Hungarian government to improve Orbán’s image in the region and provide him with political momentum.
Hungarian Parliamentary Elections on April 12th
Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in Hungary on April 12th. The opposition party TISZA, led by Péter Magyar, currently leads Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz in most independent polls, with a 20-point advantage among decided voters. Orbán has received endorsements from former U.S. President Donald Trump and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will also visit Hungary before the elections.
