During a Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day event in Przemyśl, Poland’s President Nawrocki sharply rebuked a TVN24 journalist for questioning his relationship with Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin.
Nawrocki Responds to Reporter’s Question
Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok in Przemyśl on Monday, March 23rd, to commemorate Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day. Following a joint statement, TVN24 reporter Mateusz Półchłopek questioned Nawrocki about Viktor Orbán’s ties to Vladimir Putin.
Nawrocki initially stepped away with the Hungarian president, but later approached the reporter with his spokesperson, Leśkiewicz.
“You Didn’t Listen to the Press Conference?”
“What do you want to ask? Did you not listen to the press conference? Did you not hear what I think about Vladimir Putin, sir? Did you create materials claiming Putin is pursuing me?” Nawrocki questioned the reporter. “The editor will get a grip and listen to what the President of Poland says. Vladimir Putin is a criminal. Do you understand, sir? Goodbye,” he declared.
Spokesperson Defends President’s Reaction
Karol Nawrocki’s spokesperson addressed the incident, stating the President responded to a shouted question after the statements from both presidents. He emphasized Nawrocki’s previous strong condemnation of Putin’s actions and policies.
Nawrocki had previously stated, “Poles love Hungarians, they hate Vladimir Putin, who is a war criminal and nothing more.”
Political Reactions to the Incident
PiS MP Krzysztof Szczucki commented on the event, suggesting a level of ignorance or cynicism led to the heated exchange, while noting no offensive language was used.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the President’s reaction, tweeting, “Please do not shout at journalists, Mr. Nawrocki. They did not get you into this Russian mess.”
Orbán’s Shifting Position
Recent reports suggest Viktor Orbán’s position is changing, with growing discontent in Hungary, as detailed in a report by Wojciech Maziarski.