Poland recalls ambassador to Hungary over asylum dispute

Poland has recalled its ambassador to Budapest indefinitely after Hungary granted political asylum to former Polish deputy justice minister Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted in Poland on allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds.

The decision, announced on Friday, has escalated tensions between the two countries. Hungary’s move to offer asylum has been described by Poland’s Foreign Ministry as “offensive to Polish citizens and authorities.”

Romanowski, currently a Law and Justice Party (PiS) lawmaker, has been on the run since a Polish court issued a pre-trial detention order last week. A European arrest warrant was later issued, but Romanowski’s lawyer confirmed on Thursday that Hungary had granted him asylum.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Hungary’s decision, warning earlier that Budapest would face consequences if it disregarded European law by ignoring the warrant.