Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Hungarian officials Viktor Orban and Peter Szijjarto, alleging they have effectively departed from the European Union due to close ties with Moscow.
Hungary’s EU Membership Questioned
Prime Minister Tusk stated that Hungary remains a member of the EU, but lamented that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto have “long since left” the Union, referencing reports of Foreign Minister Szijjarto’s contacts with Russian authorities.
The comments came during a press conference where Tusk addressed reports from investigative journalists indicating Szijjarto consulted with Moscow regarding efforts to remove Russian citizens from EU sanctions lists.
Details of Alleged Russian Contacts
Media reports revealed Szijjarto regularly briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with live updates during EU meetings, prompting concerns about Hungary’s alignment with Russian interests.
Tusk described the revealed transcripts and audio recordings as demonstrating an “unacceptable and peculiar” relationship between Budapest and Moscow, calling it “absolutely disqualifying.”
Polish-Hungarian Relations and Political Context
Tusk emphasized the historical strength of Polish-Hungarian friendship, expressing hope that Hungarian citizens are aware that these relations remain unchanged despite the current political situation.
PiS Support for Orban Draws Criticism
Tusk criticized the support from Poland’s PiS party and President Karol Nawrocki for Orban ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary elections, labeling it “political collaboration” with Lavrov and Putin.
He argued that actively supporting what he described as the “most pro-Russian government in Europe” is a dangerous game with implications for Poland’s interests and European security.
International Reactions
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin echoed Tusk’s sentiments, stating that the revealed conversations between Szijjarto and Lavrov were not surprising but were “very sad and unacceptable.”
Upcoming Hungarian Elections
Parliamentary elections in Hungary are scheduled for April 12th. Recent polls indicate the opposition TISZA party is leading Fidesz in most independent surveys, with a 23-point advantage reported by Median in March, while government-affiliated polls show a smaller Fidesz lead.
Tusk previously commented on the reports on X, stating, “Hungary is and will be in the European Union. Viktor Orban and his foreign minister left Europe long ago.”
