Polish President Karol Nawrocki defended his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, asserting it wasn’t a mistake and addressing criticism over Orbán’s ties to Russia.
President Nawrocki Stands by Orbán Meeting
President Nawrocki stated he does not regret supporting Orbán, clarifying that support requires a clear affirmation of backing a specific politician. He emphasized that declining a meeting during the Day of Polish-Hungarian Friendship would have been “inelegant,” given the ongoing Hungarian campaign.
Nawrocki highlighted that his visit to Hungary was specifically for the friendship day celebrations, involving discussions with both the President and Prime Minister Orbán.
Response to Criticism and Tusk’s Past Interactions
Nawrocki dismissed implications of explicit support for Orbán, contrasting it with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s multiple meetings with Vladimir Putin. He asserted he is not ashamed of speaking with Orbán.
Internal PiS Dynamics and Morawiecki’s Ambitions
The article notes internal tensions within the PiS party, with Mateusz Morawiecki establishing the “Rozwój Plus” association and attracting MPs, while maintaining commitment to PiS’s victory, focusing on a centrist approach.
Addressing Putin and Financial Concerns with Hungary
Nawrocki stated he directly addressed Orbán regarding his views on Putin and Hungary’s sourcing of resources from Russia, also raising the issue of blocked financial aid to Poland.
Congratulating TISZA and Long-Term Polish-Hungarian Relations
The President congratulated Peter Magyar on his party’s victory, emphasizing the importance of viewing Polish-Hungarian relations through a “deep, communal, and centuries-long” perspective, hoping to maintain this relationship with Magyar.
Confrontation with TVN24 Journalist
Nawrocki reacted sharply to a TVN24 journalist’s question about Orbán’s relationship with Putin, accusing the reporter of not listening and defending his stance on Putin as a “criminal.” He pointed to previous reports alleging Putin’s pursuit of him.
Defense of Reaction and Consistent Stance
Nawrocki characterized the question as a “provocation,” justifying his response. He defended his use of a pointing gesture, stating it was consistent with his campaign and intended to ensure the public heard his views on Putin.
Meeting Occurred Despite Government Recommendation
The meeting between Presidents Nawrocki and Tamás Sulyok took place in Przemyśl and Budapest in late March, despite Prime Minister Tusk’s assessment that it was against Poland’s interests given the upcoming Hungarian elections.
Hungarian Election Results and Shift in Power
The Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12th resulted in a change of power, with Viktor Orbán stepping down after 16 years, replaced by Peter Magyar whose TISZA party secured 137 of 199 seats in the National Assembly.
