Hungary has granted political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister and opposition MP, citing concerns over the state of judicial independence and political freedoms in Poland under the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The move has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Poland calling it a “hostile act” and summoning the Hungarian ambassador for an explanation.
Romanowski, a prominent member of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, was charged with misusing public funds during his time in office. Although initially released due to his parliamentary immunity, that protection was revoked in October, paving the way for Polish authorities to issue a European arrest warrant. Romanowski sought refuge in Hungary, arguing that he could not expect a fair trial in his home country.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, defended the asylum decision, stating that it was made “in accordance with both Hungarian and EU laws.” He added, “We avoid interfering in other nations’ politics, but it is evident that the judicial independence and rights of opposition figures in Poland are under threat.”
Critics of Tusk’s administration, including Romanowski, have accused it of targeting political opponents through state institutions and the judiciary. Romanowski’s lawyer claimed that the charges against him were politically motivated, while the Ordo Iuris think tank described Poland’s recent governance as a “militant democracy” marked by actions such as stripping opposition parties of funding and exerting control over media and judicial bodies.
Polish authorities, however, view Hungary’s decision as a breach of EU solidarity and legal obligations. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Poland would seek intervention from the European Commission if Hungary failed to comply with the European arrest warrant.
The case has drawn broader attention to political tensions within the EU, with Hungary positioning itself as a defender of individuals facing persecution, while critics argue that the move risks undermining EU mechanisms for justice and cooperation. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with collective EU responsibilities.
