Fri Dec 20 13:04:08 UTC 2024: ## Hungary Grants Asylum to Polish Official, Sparking Diplomatic Row
WARSAW, Poland (December 20, 2024) — Hungary’s decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a Polish former deputy justice minister wanted on corruption charges, has ignited a major diplomatic crisis between the two European Union members.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the move as a “hostile act,” expressing dismay at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s decision to shelter Romanowski, who is suspected of defrauding the state of millions of zlotys. The Polish government has summoned its ambassador from Hungary for consultations and delivered a formal protest to the Hungarian ambassador in Warsaw.
The dispute highlights a deeper clash over the rule of law and democracy. Tusk’s government, elected last year, is actively pursuing legal action against former officials allegedly involved in corruption under the previous Law and Justice administration. Romanowski’s lawyer claims his client is a victim of political retribution. However, Hungarian officials, including Orbán’s chief of staff Gergely Gulyás, argue that Romanowski would not receive a fair trial in Poland.
The Polish prosecutor’s office has accused Romanowski of 11 crimes, including involvement in a criminal group, rigging tenders, and misappropriation of funds. Poland asserts that Hungary’s action violates the EU’s principle of loyal cooperation between member states. The situation further underscores the existing tensions between Poland and Hungary regarding democratic principles and the application of EU laws.
First Piper 