Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized President Karol Nawrocki’s visit to Budapest, coinciding with Hungary’s suspension of gas deliveries to Ukraine.
Tusk’s Rebuke of Nawrocki and Orbán
Donald Tusk responded to questions regarding Karol Nawrocki’s visit to Budapest by stating the President does not typically inform him of international engagements. He added that, from his perspective, the visit did not alter Hungary’s increasingly pro-Russian stance.
Tusk stated he had not heard such harsh rhetoric “even in the Kremlin,” referencing Viktor Orbán’s recent statements and the suspension of gas supplies to Ukraine. He questioned the purpose of Nawrocki’s trip and asserted that supporting Orbán is not in the interest of Poland or Europe.
Hungary Halts Gas Supplies to Ukraine
Viktor Orbán announced Wednesday that Hungary is halting gas deliveries to Ukraine until oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are resumed. He cited the need to secure Hungary’s energy security and overcome an oil blockade.
During a rally in Ostrzyhom, Orbán also described Ukraine as a “very dangerous country, a state of terror,” but affirmed Hungary would not succumb to this “terror.”
Presidential Office Defends the Visit
Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok during Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day celebrations in Przemyśl and subsequently with Viktor Orbán in Budapest. Presidential Spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz emphasized that Nawrocki participated in an event held annually for 19 years.
Leśkiewicz also noted that Orbán is a democratically elected prime minister and that Nawrocki has previously expressed disagreement with numerous Hungarian policies.
Upcoming Hungarian Elections
Nawrocki’s visit occurred during Hungary’s parliamentary election campaign, with elections scheduled for April 12th. Most independent polls indicate the opposition TISZA party is leading Fidesz, Viktor Orbán’s party.
A March survey by Median showed TISZA with a 23-point lead among decided voters, while government-affiliated polls suggest a smaller lead for Fidesz.
Tusk Questions Motives and Competence
Tusk indicated that Nawrocki’s visit may have stemmed from either a misjudgment of the situation or the President’s personal views, expressing concern that the latter might be the case and that he has no influence over it.