Polish MP Marcin Romanowski has lived in Budapest for almost a year, claiming asylum in Hungary, yet continues to hold his seat while allegedly being cut off from his parliamentary salary and expenses.
Marcin Romanowski Still Runs Parliamentary Offices
Romanowski has been staying in Budapest for several months after the Hungarian authorities granted him asylum following a court-ordered arrest warrant. He maintains his parliamentary mandate while refusing to relinquish it, but he has not received any parliamentary salary or daily allowance for over a year. The Rzeczpospolita reports that the PiS party loses about 170,000 PLN annually due to his absences.
Despite the lack of funds, Romanowski remains active through interpellations and continues to operate two parliamentary offices in Białgoraj and Hrubieszów, employing staff and a social assistant. Payments for his offices were halted by the Sejm’s office until he threatened to file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office, after which the funds were restored in instalments. He describes himself as working “on various projects” while remaining available to constituents online and by phone.
Parliamentary Tablet Remains in Investigator Hands
During a March 2023 raid by the Internal Security Agency at Romanowski’s residence, security personnel seized an Apple tablet issued to MPs by the Sejm. The tablet has not yet been returned, leaving Romanowski unable to use his official MP e‑mail or postal services. He has requested a replacement, first being denied, then told he would receive a new device only on site.
The prosecutor’s office explains that items are returned to rightful owners only if they are no longer needed for ongoing investigations. Since the tablet is still under access restrictions and remains a vital piece of evidence, the investigators continue attempts to unlock the device.
Eleven Charges Against Marcin Romanowski
Romanowski, who served as Deputy Justice Minister from 2019 to 2023, is now a suspect in a case involving irregularities in disbursement of funds from the Justice Fund. On 15 October 2024, he faced 11 charges, including participation in an organized crime group and misappropriation of over 100 million PLN. A European Arrest Warrant has been issued against him.
