News Summary:
- Poland recalls its ambassador to Budapest after Hungary grants asylum to former Polish official Marcin Romanowski.
- Hungary’s asylum decision defies Poland’s extradition request, escalating tensions between the two nations.
- Polish PM Tusk warns Hungary against decisions inconsistent with European law, straining relations further.
Poland has recalled its ambassador to Budapest indefinitely after Hungary granted asylum to former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski. The announcement came a day after Hungary’s decision, which Poland’s Foreign Ministry described as “offensive to Polish citizens and authorities.”
Earlier, Poland summoned Hungary’s ambassador to Warsaw to express its dissatisfaction. Romanowski, currently a Law and Justice Party (PiS) lawmaker, faces allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds during his ministerial tenure.
Hungary Grants Asylum to Wanted Polish Official
On Thursday, Hungary announced it had granted Romanowski political asylum, defying Poland’s request for his extradition. Polish authorities had been searching for Romanowski since last week after a court approved his pre-trial detention.
Prosecutors issued a European arrest warrant, citing evidence that Romanowski had fled Poland. The asylum decision from Hungary effectively shielded him from extradition under European law, heightening tensions between the two nations.
Tusk Warns Hungary Against “Odd Decisions”
Hours before Romanowski’s lawyer confirmed the asylum grant, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a warning to Hungary. “If Budapest takes odd decisions inconsistent with European law, such as granting asylum, it’s Viktor Orbán who’ll face consequences,” Tusk said.
Hungary’s move has strained relations between the two countries, highlighting broader disagreements over adherence to European legal frameworks. The situation underscores ongoing friction within the European Union over the rule of law and political asylum cases.