The following is a translation of an article originally published on Mandiner.
According to Balázs Orbán, those who have consistently preached the rule of law now speak only the language of power.
In an interview with Polish news website wPolityce, Balázs Orbán, Political Director for the Prime Minister of Hungary, confirmed in response to a question: ‘At the end of December, the Polish Foreign Ministry sent a note to our embassy in Warsaw saying that our ambassador is not expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.’
‘During Hungary’s EU presidency, we have never allowed potential bilateral disputes to influence the presidency’
Orbán opined: ‘The decision of the Polish government, besides reflecting a rather childish attitude, is contrary to the spirit of the EU Presidency, which is expected to serve as an honest mediator, overcoming political differences. During Hungary’s EU presidency, we have never allowed potential bilateral disputes to influence the presidency.’
The interviewer noted that Polish commentators see this as retaliation for granting political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, to which Balázs Orbán said: ‘Hungary decided to grant political asylum to former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski after he was arrested by the Polish authorities, despite the fact that he has parliamentary immunity as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which raised serious doubts about whether he would get a fair trial.’
‘Contrary to previous accusations against the PiS Government, it now appears that there are indeed serious concerns about the rule of law in Poland. It seems that those who have consistently preached about the rule of law now speak only the language of power. From the cases against Donald Trump, Matteo Salvini, and Marine Le Pen to others, this is yet another striking example of liberals using the law as a weapon to silence their political opponents,’ he added.
‘It now appears that there are indeed serious concerns about the rule of law in Poland’
Finally, Viktor Orbán’s political director stressed: ‘It is reassuring that our decision resonates with those who share our commitment to justice. Drawing on the lessons of both countries’ communist past, we strongly oppose the use of the law to silence political opponents. We appreciate the historic friendship between Hungary and Poland, which is why the decision of the Polish Government to close the Wacław Felczak Institute, which was established to promote our bilateral cooperation, is all the more concerning.’
‘We remain confident that our countries can return to the path of mutual respect and cooperation,’ Balázs Orbán concluded.
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