Polish President Karol Nawrocki has quietly scrapped plans to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán: a decision that observers view as a rare break between two long-time regional allies. The cancellation comes in the wake of Orbán’s controversial trip to Moscow last Friday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Nawrocki cancels his meeting with Orbán
According to a statement from Polish presidential foreign policy chief Marcin Przydacz, Nawrocki will limit his Hungary visit next Wednesday (to attend the Visegrád Group summit in Esztergom) and skip a planned bilateral meeting with Orbán.
Przydacz argued that the move reflects Nawrocki’s commitment to “realistic solutions” for ending the war in Ukraine, and that the Prime Minister’s Moscow trip, given the ongoing Russian aggression, made a face-to-face with Orbán politically untenable.
The decision signals more than just a scheduling change: it represents a growing distance between Warsaw and Budapest. Until recently, many considered Nawrocki a natural ally of Orbán’s, especially after Orbán publicly endorsed him during Poland’s 2025 presidential race.
- Back in June, the Polish president-elect highlighted the importance of Polish-Hungarian ties in a message to Orbán
Exiled Polish ex-minister adds fuel to the fire
Relations between Poland and Hungary were already strained by the case of former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, currently living in Budapest under what Polish authorities treat as de-facto exile. In November, the Polish parliament stripped Ziobro of his parliamentary immunity and ordered his arrest: he is accused of criminal misuse of public funds amounting to hundreds of millions of zloty.
Prior to the immunity suspension, Ziobro had already relocated to the Hungarian capital. His lawyer has proposed that his questioning should take place not in Warsaw, but in Budapest or Brussels: a request the Polish prosecution has yet to rule on.
Though some in Polish public life treat him as a political fugitive, the Hungarian government, aligned with Orbán’s ruling parties, appears to protect him. That has aggravated tensions in Warsaw, where many view Budapest’s sheltering of Ziobro (and previously, his ex-deputy) as interference in Poland’s internal justice affairs.
In Poland, Ziobro remains widely despised by both supporters of football clubs and those on the nationalist right. His controversial reforms of the justice system, including the introduction of loose “crown-witness” laws, and alleged involvement with illegal surveillance (via the Pegasus spyware obtained under his ministerial tenure) are credited with undermining the credibility of domestic football fan communities and prompting mass arrests of ultras.
Given this context, many Polish critics argue that Hungary’s shelter for Ziobro serves only party interests, and not national ones, while simultaneously aggravating an already fragile Polish–Hungarian relationship.
How much will Poland tolerate?
The cancellation of Nawrocki’s meeting with Orbán is more than symbolic: it marks a potential reassessment in Warsaw of its once close alignment with Budapest. With Hungary openly sheltering a fugitive former Polish minister, trust between the two capitals is likely deteriorating, which is a worrying development for the regional cohesion of the Visegrád Group (V4).
Nawrocki’s decision may foreshadow a new Warsaw foreign policy stance that is less tolerating of Budapest’s closeness to Moscow or controversial political guests.
Heck, not even the right wing of poland likes Orban, thats a very low point for the “peace-maker” of the EU
“Heck, not even the right wing of poland likes Orban, thats a very low point for the “peace-maker” of the EU
Poland & Hungary agree over 97%.9 of things, Muy Querido José
In this case, however, Poland has a self-destructive tendency in which the current Hungarian Government does not want to share.
But, certainly there have been previous Hungarian Governments with the same deathwish Poland currently has, and has had for at least 4 centuries.
The reason why Poland has been repeatedly carved up by it’s neighbours is that it is more emotional than it is logical.
Yeah yeah yeah. The hungarian none sense is always right. Keep Believing in fairy tells
https://hungarytoday.hu/meet-the-man-who-cancelled-the-orban-nawrocki-meeting/
As always, Hungary on the wrong side of history!
Shame on this government
“As always, Hungary on the wrong side of history!”
Yes, Dear Rádzs, given that ‘history’ is usually on the side of murder, rape, genocide, and general mayhem, you are right that Hungary’s stand for peace & diplomacy looks really really stupid!
Dear Mouton, answering everyone criticising Orban seems very interesting!
Another important thing that your answers seems quite AI, so watch out!
You should know, that AI is generally written to try and avoid the topics of rape, genecide and plunder.
For obvious reasons.
But, the fact that you defaulted to this level of name-calling means you know you lost the argument.
Sadly, Dear Márk, I never got into the argument before the Western Elite insisted on using the Ukraine as a platform for violent regime change against Russia.
Half of the Ukraine now homeless, and millions dead or crippled, it could not be more evident that your leader, Orban Viktor, has been consistently right – or, at least, from the standpoint of human beings.
Thank you for your reply, Dear Rádzs.
When I come to a page that has a variety of comments, it seems to me that reading those comments and reacting facilitates conversation, which, ultimately, is more interesting than everybody just writing comments and ignoring each other.
Be well!
Dear Mouton! Please explain to us simply why other EU members who changed from the Russian oil&gas pays lesser than HU now? Very simple question?
Continue reading at https://dailynewshungary.com/polish-president-cancels-orban-meeting/ | DailyNewsHungary
“Mr. Nawrocki was elected primarily with support of the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party and, despite being officially independent, was considered the PiS candidate in the 2025 presidential election”. And a football enthusiast!
Re the V4 – Mr. Orbán has previously used V4 meetings and events to create PR moments. However, mainly due to Hungary, the bloc is less united, so the ability to use the V4 as a credibility booster or veto-wielding block has weakened. Due to its size, Poland is the linchpin – so losing Mr. Nawrocki is a big deal. Bad for Hungary – due to the actions of our Politicians #holdthemtoaccount
“So losing Mr. Nawrocki is a big deal. Bad for Hungary…’
What is better for Hungary, Dear Norbert – having a little argument with Poland, over the matter of Hungarian sovereignty?;or enjoying Russia’s friendship and receiving untold amount of cheap gas and 2 state of the art nuclear power plants – every Forint of that to be forwarded by the Russians!
Mouton stop repeating the same lies of the government again and again.
Hungary pays way more than the other countires in the EU who changed from the Russian oil & gas to other alternatives!!!!!
Did you know, Orbán said the sky is blue?
That means it has to be green, right?
No. If a lier would always tell lies, he wouldn’t be a lier.
I can’t believe I have to explain this. Are you sure you are old and capable enough to engage in politics?
Dear Márk, I know you can do better than this.
I have seen you make better more civil arguments before, so I know you can do it.
Neither I believe you nor Orbán!
Same Nonsense!!!
😂
No, I am sorry, Dear Radzs – If what you thought were true, that Russian pipeline oil is just as costly liquified natuiral gas shipped over the seas from my country, then why is German manufacturing ailing so, and why do Germans complain so bitterly about home heating costs, since 2022?
Dear Mouton!
You are so good of making false clames!
Tell me why is Hungary paying more cost per gas&oil than the other EU countries who changed from the Russian oil pays lesser than Hungary?
Proof us wrong! That simple man!
Don’t bring other topics that the German economy suffers!!! which is correct but not only because the Russian oil&gas
Thought I would release some AI – nothing too surprising, really:
“Having “friendship” with Russia can bring real, sometimes immediate, material benefits—especially in energy, geopolitical backing, and insulation from Western criticism. But it nearly always comes with trade-offs: increased dependence, reputational costs, risk of sanctions, and long-term limits to broader economic modernization and political maneuvering.”
And if we somehow do fall off the EU / free movement of people and goods / single market map … There is no saving us, economically.
As I wrote many times, Putin is an ass… and I’d like few things more than to see Russia given a bloody nose and be forced to leave Ukraine with its tail between its legs.
It’s not going to happen, though, wherefore pragmatism is needed. The globalist-socialist-fascist elites’ pigheaded insistence on “confrontationalism” (is that a word? it should be!) with Russia would be laughable, were it not so dangerous. The belligerence toward Russia NO MATTER WHAT is hurting no-one except the ordinary citizens of European countries. Russia’s economy is booming while European states’ are at best stagnating. Energy is expensive, as is food. Governments are getting more authoritarian to “save” us from the “Russian threat.”
Land is not sacred nor are borders written in stone. Do a deal with Putin while taking steps to ensure insofar as possible he not go on any further misadventures. That’s what Orban is trying to do and he deserves the support of all normal, right-thinking people.
Land is not sacred: what do you think about Israel leave their land and be pragmatism?
Such a bullsh#t Steiner as usual
No one here cares about Israel more then Rwanda.
There aren’t many people in Europe Orban can meet with anymore. That’s why you see so many meetings with central Asian leaders. Hungary has become an outcast nation in Europe and deservedly so.
“There aren’t many people in Europe Orban can meet with anymore. That’s why you see so many meetings with central Asian leaders. Hungary has become an outcast nation in Europe and deservedly so…’
What is more important in life, Dear Larry – living life as you know you should, and having people dislike you for it, or living in a manner that is false, so as to curry favour with others?
What you call “European leaders”, are people who can not meet actually important people.
You know, like Trump, Putin or Xi.
I’m glad my Prime Minister is not at the kids table with them, eating crayons out of stupidity.
Are you sure it’s them not meeting Orbán, and not in reverse?
This is a good comment, Dear Márk.
Thank you for that.
You are right – nobody can be sure of another man’s hidden motives.
My comment to Larry is that it does not matter what people in other countries approve of Hungarian leaders.
Only the Hungarian people matter in this conversation.
Only you will make the decision in April.
I will just be watching with great interests from overseas.
Have a good day!
Seems like the entire Victor Orban fan club at the US Embassy has made their contribution of Orban/Fidesz admiration here on DNH for the day. Get yourself a girlfriend or a dog and grow up..
So you guys gave up on pretending you were the majority, and embraced the fact that you have a fringe opinion?
It was time.
I live in Poland and Nawrocki (picked out of obscurity by PiS) is trying to go into business for himself. He’s made several attempts to expand the (mostly ceremonial) powers of the presidency and now very clearly wants to reunite the right under his de facto leadership.
Ziobro is also wanted for mismanagement of public funds, giving government grants to groups that seemed to be called into existence to get government grants by him and more stuff.
Orban has staked everything on allying himself with russia over his supposed allies in the EU and NATO and is maybe finally becoming too toxic.
So I guess the USA, you know, who funds 75% of NATO, is not NATO.
And “Europe” who is antagonistic to the USA is NATO.
Just for verification: do you think the sky is down as well?
Orban’s loyalty to russia and disregard for supposed allies goes way beyond routine EU snootiness toward the US.
Very ironic considering that the short pudgy one began his career as a strong anti-soviet voice.
Now he wants a replay of 1944-89…. as a client/vassal state of russia.
Agreed. Nice to see someone in Poland who can see what is happening.
To me “Mouton” if you want cheap energy, why you just dont join Russia? You will get that energy for free. Such a silly arguments man
“Land is not sacred nor are borders written in stone”
Does this mean Hungarians will stop whining about Trianon?
Oh, you don’t want Hungarians to stop whining about Trianon.
Because if we don’t whine, we act.
Big talk…. what are you going to do, invade Romania or Slovakia?
“we act” indeed…..
Good one Ciff! Doesn’t get much better!
Quite. Whining about Trianon was one of the most tiresome aspects when living in Hungary. Folks would hold a short historical lecture, assuming that if you knew what happened, you’d de facto support the Hungarian position while also assuming you’ve never heard of Trianon and didn’t have the foggiest idea what it was about.
One of the fastest routes to social ostracision is to highlight the low percentage of peoples of Hungarian ethnicity in detached territories. I’ve never heard anyone in Austria complaining that Hungary is no longer their colony, or the fact that they lost access to the Adriatic.
I am Hungarian and I do not whine about Trianon. In fact, many young / more liberal people joke about it, like ironically saying “oh Trianon hurts so much” and make meme images about a pain-killer which says “Trianon”. Only the nationalists and conservatives whine about it, and they tend to be active on English internet sites about politics. Who was the biggest? Horthy – he entered WW2 in hopes of reversing Trianon. This is all I can say. But even the most nationalist-leaning party in Hungary says they do not want to reverse Trianon using violence; the least they may mention sometimes is holding a referendum for the contested territory on which country they want to belong to, but even this is just something they occassionally mention, and in the day-to-day life they do not talk about Trianon. Those who do are just angry, sad, lonely people on the internet who like to argue with strangers. Do not think too much of it. Only like 2 people I know care about Trianon, and even they are not aggressive in their communication. Loud people are always more visible. Please, do not lump us all together with those guys.
Trianon was tragic when it happened, I do not make memes about it, and I think they are insensitive, but it is in the past and does not affect me deeply, so I do not care. Other countries had it worse. Hungary was not innocent either in their treatment of the minorities before Trianon and for its involvement in the Holocaust and their settlement in Europe when we plundered the peoples here in the medieval era.
I wish to wake up one day and find that all of Earth’s weapons are gone…
Next time you meet someone who whines, tell them about me and what I said.
🤣 very nice one Cliff