Polish MEP Krzysztof Brejza has filed a complaint with the Sejm Ethics Committee seeking punishment for PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński over comments regarding Peter Magyar.
Brejza Files Complaint Regarding Kaczyński’s Statements
Krzysztof Brejza, a Member of the European Parliament for Civic Coalition (KO), submitted a complaint to the Sejm Ethics Committee requesting disciplinary action against Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
The complaint stems from Kaczyński’s remarks concerning allegations that Hungarian TISZA party leader Peter Magyar “baked a puppy.”
Kaczyński’s Initial Comments
On Tuesday, Kaczyński was questioned by journalists at the Sejm regarding his lack of congratulations to Magyar following his victory in the Hungarian elections. Kaczyński characterized the victory as a symptom of “complete insensitivity of European societies to facts, even the most drastic.”
When pressed for clarification, Kaczyński referenced claims made by Magyar’s wife, former Hungarian Justice Minister Judith Varga, about him “baking a puppy.”
Origin of the Allegations
The information originated in an article published on April 6 by the portal Magyar Hirek 24. This website began publishing content just one month before the Hungarian parliamentary elections.
The article accused Magyar of, among other things, killing a dog in a microwave, citing a supposed book by his ex-wife, Judith Varga. However, no such book exists in online bookstores, and Varga herself has stated she did not write an autobiography.
Brejza’s Justification for the Complaint
Brejza published his complaint on X (formerly Twitter) addressed to Ewa Schadler, the chair of the Sejm Ethics Committee (Polska 2050), requesting Kaczyński’s punishment. He argued that a member of the Sejm is obligated to maintain dignity, act responsibly, and uphold the Sejm’s reputation.
Brejza emphasized the dissemination of unverified, sensational, and potentially false information, which he characterized as potential disinformation in the public sphere. He asserted that public officials have a particular duty to base their statements on facts, not speculation or rumors.
Concerns Over Public Discourse
Brejza also stated that invoking drastic and shocking details about private life without confirmation can be considered a violation of dignity and a detriment to public debate.
According to Brejza, Kaczyński’s words violate principles of responsible speech, respect for the Sejm’s reputation, and respect for others and public opinion.
Reactions and Further Developments
The chair of the Sejm Ethics Committee stated that Brejza, like any citizen, has the right to file a complaint. She noted that the committee had not yet received the document from Brejza.
PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek responded on X, stating that Kaczyński based his comments on information widely circulated in the media. He acknowledged that one piece of information proved false but suggested others may be accurate.
Hungarian Election Results
The Hungarian parliamentary elections held on April 12 resulted in a change of government. Viktor Orbán (Fidesz) will step down after 16 years as prime minister, to be replaced by Peter Magyar, whose TISZA party won 137 of 199 seats in the National Assembly.
