On 27 October, Polish Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was invited to Budapest to showcase a government style shaped by Brussels, a visit that coincides with prosecutors’ petition to lift his parliamentary immunity.
Ziobro’s Budapest Trip and TV Demonstration
During his 27 October visit, Ziobro appeared at the historic Urania cinema in Budapest where the film “Seizure,” critiquing post‑2023 election changes to TVP, was screened. The film was presented as illustrating how Tusk’s followers commandeered public media, shut down the signal and seized multimillion assets for partisan propaganda.
Prosecutors Seek Immunity Removal
The National Prosecutor’s Office forwarded a request to the Sejm to strip Ziobro of parliamentary immunity. Prosecutors allege he leads an organised criminal group and seek approval for his arrest and temporary detention.
Expert Analysis of the Prosecution’s Proceedings
Professor Radosław Markowski of SWPS University said Ziobro’s trip had no link to the prosecution’s actions and that the process is proceeding at a normal, though slow, pace. He argued that bringing alleged offenders to court serves as a healthy sign for democracy.
Professor Robert Alberski of the University of Wrocław noted the petition contains 26 charges and highlighted the complexity of assembling sufficient evidence. He suggested the prosecution may have compiled all accusations into a single request to be processed consistently.
Could Ziobro Seek Asylum in Hungary?
Markowski argued that, like former minister Marcin Romanowski, Ziobro could go to Budapest, but a future government change in Hungary could make the move impractical. He cautioned that independent judges exist in Hungary and outcomes could mirror Romanowski’s case.
Alberski stated that Ziobro is expected to remain in Poland, defending against the charges, and warned that a sharp political debate will likely unfold before the situation progresses.
Political Implications and Public Narrative
Both experts noted that PiS politicians may continue to question prosecutor competence, framing the legal actions as a political struggle. They warned that the narrative could portray Ziobro as a victim of an aggressive Tusk‑era government, intensifying public scrutiny.
