Members of Poland’s PiS party visited Budapest to publicly support Viktor Orbán days before Hungary’s parliamentary elections, drawing criticism from the Polish government.
PiS Delegation Visits Budapest
Wójcik announced the trip to Budapest on Friday afternoon via X, including photos of the parliamentarians in front of the Smoleńsk Memorial. The photos include, besides Wójcik, MPs associated with Zbigniew Ziobro, such as Maria Kurowska and Jan Kanthak.
Government Spokesman Condemns Visit
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka commented on the matter in TVN24, calling it “compromising.” He stated that, given information about Orbán’s subservient policies towards Putin and offering him political services, Jarosław Kaczyński considers their dependence on Russia and self-serving interests “acceptable” and “beyond parliamentary words.”
Wójcik Defends the Visit
Wójcik described the visit as “very good,” stating they laid flowers at the Smoleńsk Memorial, where they were greeted by the mayor of that district of Budapest, Hungarian parliamentarians, local government officials, and representatives of Polish associations.
Meeting with Ziobro
The parliamentarians also met with Ziobro on Friday. Wójcik described the meeting as a “good conversation.” He denied discussing the elections or Ziobro’s potential future should the opposition Tisza party, whose leader Peter Magyar has promised Ziobro’s extradition, win the election.
Skepticism Regarding Polls
Wójcik dismissed Hungarian election polls as “exaggerated,” stating the fight for every voter will continue until the end. He noted that conversations with Hungarians reveal a “deeply divided society.”
“A Fight for Sovereignty”
Wójcik stated the election represents a fight for the sovereignty of individual nations and the future of the European Union. He claimed Brussels elites want to install Magyar to implement a Brussels agenda, and they must show solidarity with the Hungarian right wing.
“A Matter of Support, Not Interference”
Responding to criticism that the visit could be seen as election interference, Wójcik argued it was a matter of support, asserting everyone has the right to support whomever they choose, adding that Tusk supports Magyar.
Public Support for Orbán
Jan Kanthak, a PiS MP, posted on X: “We are in Budapest to provide full support for Viktor Orbán.”
Hungarian Parliamentary Elections
Hungary’s parliamentary elections will be held on Sunday. Recent independent polls show support for Tisza between 49 and 58 percent among decided voters, with Fidesz, led by Orbán, receiving between 35 and 38 percent. Polls linked to the government show a lead for Fidesz by several percentage points.
Legal Issues Facing Ziobro
In late November, the Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek informed the Speaker of the Sejm about charges against Ziobro related to his time as Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General (2015-2023). Prosecutors accuse him of leading a criminal group and abusing his position for criminal activities, including 26 offenses like issuing illegal orders to secure funds from the Justice Fund and interfering with tender processes.
Ziobro’s Asylum in Hungary
Ziobro currently has political asylum and international protection from the Hungarian authorities, who believe he faces political persecution. Ziobro stated he will remain abroad until “real guarantees of the rule of law are restored in Poland.”
Reporting Information
Reported from Budapest by Katarzyna Lendzion (PAP). Edited by Kamila Cieślik.