Following a tense exchange with a TVN24 reporter during a Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day event, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended the journalist and rebuked Karol Nawrocki.
Nawrocki-Tusk Exchange on Social Media
Donald Tusk responded to the incident on X, stating, “Please do not shout at journalists, Mr. Nawrocki. They did not drag you into this Russian swamp.”
Incident at Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day
The exchange occurred on Monday, March 23rd, during celebrations of Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day in Przemyśl, where Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok.
TVN24 Journalist’s Question and Nawrocki’s Response
TVN24 journalist Mateusz Półchłopek questioned Nawrocki about Viktor Orbán’s relationship with Vladimir Putin. Nawrocki responded defensively, asking if the journalist had listened to the press conference and asserting that Putin is a war criminal.
Nawrocki told the journalist to “get a grip” and listen to the Polish president, reiterating his condemnation of Vladimir Putin as a criminal.
Nawrocki’s Visit to Budapest and Participation in Coalition Meeting
Karol Nawrocki subsequently met with Viktor Orbán in Budapest. Orbán welcomed Nawrocki on X, stating, “Poles and Hungarians, two friends. Welcome to Budapest, President Nawrocki.”
In Budapest, Nawrocki also participated in a meeting of the “Patriots for Europe” coalition, a group of right-wing and Eurosceptic parties, including Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini.
Analysis of Nawrocki’s Trip
Commentators have suggested that Nawrocki’s trip to Budapest and his involvement in Orbán’s campaign signal a shift within the Polish right wing, marking an end to ambiguity regarding Europe.
Nawrocki’s Statements in Budapest
During a joint appearance with the Hungarian President, Nawrocki stated that Poles love Hungarians and hate Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a war criminal. He emphasized the enduring Polish-Hungarian friendship while acknowledging disagreements.
Nawrocki stressed that for Poland, Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation represent an existential threat, comparable to the Bolsheviks in 1920.
Editorial Note
Jan Latała edited the article.
