Asylum Sparks Tensions Between Poland and Hungary

Marcin Romanowski, a former Deputy Minister of Justice in Poland, has been granted political asylum in Hungary. Romanowski is under suspicion in Poland for corruption, including the embezzlement of millions to fund a Catholic priest's media empire. This venture was reportedly inspired by Radio Maryja and involved the misuse of funds intended for crime victims. A European arrest warrant has been issued for Romanowski, who is also accused of being part of a criminal association.

The conservative PiS (Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc) party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023, is believed to have benefited from Romanowski's actions. The current center-left government under Donald Tusk is actively working to reverse the controversial judicial reforms implemented during the PiS administration. These reforms have been criticized for undermining the rule of law.

Hungary's decision to grant asylum to Romanowski has been viewed by Poland as a 'hostile act.' This asylum decision reflects a broader pattern, as Hungary has previously offered refuge to other political figures such as Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro and North Macedonia's former prime minister Nikola Gruevski. Romanowski claims that the charges against him are politically motivated, asserting that he cannot expect a fair trial in Poland.

The situation has strained relations between Poland and Hungary, both members of the European Union, highlighting the complex political dynamics within the region. Poland's foreign ministry has expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing the move as contrary to EU principles. Meanwhile, Hungary maintains its stance, supporting Romanowski in his claims of political persecution.