Poland Recalls Ambassador After Hungary Grants Asylum to Polish Politician
Tensions between Poland and Hungary soared this week after Hungary granted political asylum to Romanowski, a former Polish deputy minister of justice and member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, prompting Poland to recall its ambassador from Budapest. The move, announced Friday by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs press secretary, follows a Warsaw court’s approval of a European arrest warrant for Romanowski.
Romanowski faces 11 charges in Poland, including accusations of involvement in a criminal organization. Prosecutors allege he diverted millions of zlotys from a crime victims’ fund to projects benefiting the PiS party, a claim he vehemently denies.”Romanovski denies all the accusations,” his lawyer stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The Hungarian ambassador was also summoned to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a formal protest. This diplomatic escalation underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, particularly concerning the rule of law and judicial independence within the European Union.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized Hungary’s actions. “Corrupt officials who avoid criminal prosecution can now choose to seek protection from the leader of Belarus, Alexander lukashenko, or the prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán,” Tusk stated, drawing a parallel between Hungary’s actions and those of authoritarian regimes.
According to Romanowski’s lawyer, the asylum submission claims the Polish investigation is politically motivated and that a fair trial is impossible within Poland. This assertion further fuels the ongoing debate about the independence of Poland’s judiciary and the potential for political interference in legal proceedings.
The indefinite recall of the Polish ambassador signals a notable deterioration in relations between the two countries. The incident raises concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and cooperation within the European Union, particularly regarding the shared commitment to upholding the rule of law.
This situation highlights a growing concern among some EU members about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for political asylum to be used as a tool to shield individuals from justice. The implications of this case extend beyond the bilateral relationship between Poland and hungary, raising broader questions about the future of cooperation and accountability within the EU.
