Hungary and Poland Clash Over Asylum Granted to Ex-Minister Accused of Fraud

The asylum granted by Hungary to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister facing serious fraud charges, has led to a strained diplomatic relationship. Poland's government views the decision as hostile, asserting it undermines EU principles. Meanwhile, Hungary's leadership claims political persecution is at play, reflecting deeper ideological divides within the EU.

Hungary has ignited a diplomatic controversy with Poland after it granted political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister presently facing multiple serious fraud charges in his home country. Romanowski, 48, had previously failed to attend a crucial court hearing, leading to speculation about his potential flight from Poland. He is accused of defrauding or attempting to defraud nearly $40 million from a justice fund designed to assist victims of crime, serving under Poland's prior Law and Justice government from 2019 until the 2023 elections.

Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, expressed stern disapproval of Hungary's decision, labeling it an act “hostile to the Republic of Poland and the principles of the European Union." He indicated that the Polish government would respond accordingly, including summoning the Hungarian ambassador for clarification. The foreign ministry also announced that it might petition the European Commission to undertake proceedings against Hungary if perceived obligations to the EU were not met.

The justice fund, under Romanowski's management during his tenure, reportedly allocated a mere 40% of its resources to intended beneficiaries like crime victims and rehabilitation services for former prisoners. While Romanowski has denied the allegations, he fled to Hungary, citing concerns over the impartiality of the Polish judicial system, which he claims has been politicized under the current coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Officials in the governing party dismissed Romanowski's claims, pointing out the judicial reforms enacted under the Law and Justice government were heavily criticized domestically and by international bodies for politicizing the judiciary.

In contrast, Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, has defended the asylum grant, suggesting that any individual facing political persecution in Poland would find refuge in Hungary. This dynamic reveals a notable rift between Hungary and Poland despite their shared conservative ideologies, particularly in light of recent divisions over the context of Russia's military actions and broader EU governance challenges.

The political undercurrents extend into the social realm as Romanowski's past includes controversial statements on issues such as LGBT+ matters and advocating for extreme punitive measures like the death penalty. As tensions between the two nations mount, these incidents reflect a more profound and ongoing struggle over the principles governing justice, individual rights, and political asylum within the EU framework.