Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he did not understand the purpose of Nawrocki meeting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom he described as “the most corrupt and most pro-Russian politician in Europe.”
“I would like to know what Poland’s interest is in supporting” Orban, Sikorski told reporters.
Nawrocki was set to attend celebrations marking Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day in the southeastern Polish city of Przemyśl alongside Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, before travelling to Budapest for talks with Orban.
Sikorski suggested the timing of the visit, ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections on April 12, could be seen as political support for Orban.
"For decades, democracies have followed the practice of avoiding state visits close to elections," he said.
"Unfortunately, this looks like participation in the election campaign of the incumbent prime minister," he added.
He also accused Hungary of blocking key Polish priorities within the European Union, including funds for Poland’s support for Ukraine, new sanctions on Russia and financial assistance for Kyiv.
"These are all fundamental issues," Sikorski said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski said he was not aware of any foreign ministry officials accompanying Nawrocki on the trip.
He added that relations between Poland and Hungary are currently strained, citing disputes within the EU and Hungary’s opposition to measures backed by Warsaw.
“There is a very unpleasant atmosphere,” Bartoszewski said, adding that Poland had recalled its ambassador from Budapest.
The president’s office defended the visit, saying its aim is to strengthen bilateral relations.
Presidential chief of staff Zbigniew Bogucki said it was too early to say whether Nawrocki would publicly endorse Orban.
Hungary is set to hold parliamentary elections on April 12, with Orban facing a strong challenge from opposition leader Peter Magyar.
Orban has received backing from figures including US President Donald Trump.
Source: IAR, PAP