Mayor Jerzy Lewczuk of Izbica spent 560 PLN on a trip to Budapest with PiS MP Marcin Romanowski, facing a fine for a missing Slovak vignette and later the municipality paid the penalty.
Mayor’s Delegation to Hungary
In late August 2023, Mayor Jerzy Lewczuk of the Izbica municipality flew to Budapest on an official delegation to meet PiS MP Marcin Romanowski, a politician fleeing from Poland. He claimed the visit was non‑touristic and for regional governance matters, and posted images on social media, one showing him reportedly drinking beer – later he said it was non‑alcoholic. He received a 560 PLN reimbursement for fuel from the municipal budget.
Fine for Missing Vignette
At the end of September, the municipality was issued a 150 € (about 653 PLN) fine for the mayor’s failure to purchase a Slovak motorway vignette during the trip. The vehicle, registered to the municipality, was travelling via Slovakia; the officer notified the city office about the penalty. After the fine, the mayor’s office paid the municipal fine, and the mayor settled the account three days later, on the day of the query.
Eleven Charges Against Romanowski
Earlier in December 2022, MP Marcin Romanowski travelled to Hungary for political asylum shortly before a court ruled him to be detained. He is sought in connection with the Justice Fund scandal, facing 11 charges including participation in a criminal group and alleged embezzlement of over 100 million PLN. A European Arrest Warrant has been issued for him.
