Poland’s liberal-globalist Justice Minister Adam Bodnar recently criticized Hungary’s political trajectory, arguing that the country’s defiance of EU laws and erosion of civil society under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán might be irreversible without a change in leadership.
Speaking in Brussels, Bodnar drew comparisons with Poland’s former nationalist government, which faced similar EU pressure but ultimately lost power in 2023.
Bodnar suggested Hungary’s return to EU norms would be “extremely difficult” as long as Orbán remains in office. He added, “The example of Poland shows that unless you have a change of leadership, it might be extremely difficult to reverse [course on] rule of law and to regain democratic values.”
This criticism comes as Hungary risks losing €1 billion in frozen EU funds due to alleged rule-of-law breaches. Despite EU Rule-of-Law Commissioner Michael McGrath’s optimistic claim that it’s “never too late” for Hungary to reconcile with the bloc, Bodnar expressed doubts. He argued that even if opposition leader Péter Magyar wins the 2026 elections, Orbán’s 16-year tenure would leave civil society deeply weakened, making reform a monumental challenge.
Hungary, however, has consistently defended its sovereignty against what it sees as overreach from Brussels. Supporters argue that Hungary’s government is addressing the needs of its people, prioritizing national interests over external pressure. Critics like Bodnar overlook the unique historical and cultural context shaping Hungary’s political decisions.
Bodnar, now Poland’s justice minister under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasized protecting civil society and judicial independence across the EU. Referring to Hungarian judges, he remarked, “I’m not sure whether they can speak about their situation freely. We have a responsibility for protecting all those independent voices.”
As Warsaw prepares to assume the EU Council presidency, tensions between Poland’s new leadership and Hungary could escalate. Hungary remains committed to maintaining its identity and pushing back against what it perceives as unfair criticism.
