During a meeting on Friday with the staff of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union, the head of the Polish government was asked to comment on the Hungarian government's decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a former Deputy Minister of Justice in the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government, who is wanted under a European Arrest Warrant on charges including corruption.
"Anyone who believes they can outsmart the justice system with tricks and evasions is wrong. I want to reassure everyone in Poland that our state is both efficient and strong enough to successfully resolve this kind of situation," the politician stated.
Prime Minister Tusk acknowledged that Europe is closely watching developments in Poland, particularly regarding the justice system reforms following the previous PiS government. He emphasized that the escape of the former deputy minister only highlights the extent of corruption within the Polish state.
According to PM Tusk, there can no longer be any doubt that those who stole are now seeking refuge under the protection of politicians who share their traits.
Donald Tusk asserted that his administration is determined to relentlessly expose the hypocrisy of such individuals.
„I did not expect that corrupt Polish officials fleeing legal accountability had the option to seek asylum with either Lukashenko or Viktor Orbán,” Prime Minister Tusk said in Brussels.
Tusk and Orbán clash over Romanowski asylum case
Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, responding to journalists' questions in Brussels on Thursday, stated that the process regarding the protection granted to Marcin Romanowski "is a legal procedure that is ongoing," and the decision on the matter does not depend on the head of government.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gestures on the way to the last press conference of his presidency at the end of the EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 19 December 2024 (photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA)
PM Orbán emphasized, however, that "relations between Poland and Hungary are not good, especially due to the harsh attack by the Polish Minister of Justice on the Hungarian government two days ago in Politico," referring to an interview with Adam Bodnar previously published by the news outlet.
Gergely Gulyas, Chief of Staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, accused the Polish government of targeting its political opponents unfairly.
Poland described this accusation as a "hostile act" that goes against the principle of mutual cooperation within the European Union.
In response, Poland's foreign ministry announced that it would summon the Hungarian ambassador to issue a formal protest.
Diplomatic row as Hungary grants asylum to Polish politician accused of corruption
The Polish government announced that if Hungary fails to fulfill its EU obligations, it will request the European Commission to take action, while also paving the way for investigations into abuses by the previous PiS government that were previously covered up.
Marcin Romanowski (photo: Stach Antkowiak/East News)
Marcin Romanowski, a former Deputy Minister of Justice, has been charged with involvement in a criminal organization, manipulating grant competitions, and embezzling over 107 million PLN (approximately 25 million EUR or 26 million USD). He denies the allegations and was released after claiming immunity as a member of a European rights assembly.
Source: X/@PremierRP_en/@MSZ_RP/@sikorskiradek/PAP/Politico
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