A new poll reveals significant division among Polish voters, including PiS supporters, regarding whether Zbigniew Ziobro and Marcin Romanowski should return to Poland to face prosecution.
Political Asylum in Hungary
Former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski received political asylum in Hungary in December 2024, after a Polish court authorized his arrest. He is wanted in connection with the Justice Fund case.
Prosecutors have filed 19 charges against Romanowski, including participation in an organized crime group and abuse of power. Investigators allege that under the PiS government, funds were allocated to entities that did not meet formal and substantive requirements. Romanowski maintains his innocence, claiming the funds were distributed according to regulations.
Ziobro’s Case and Charges
Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro also obtained asylum in Hungary in December of last year. Investigators allege Ziobro committed 26 crimes as Minister of Justice, also related to the Justice Fund.
Prosecutors accuse Ziobro of leading a criminal group. He rejects the charges, calling them “fabricated.”
Divisions Within PiS Electorate
The poll indicates a split within the PiS electorate regarding the return of the politicians, contradicting the party’s official narrative. 48% of PiS voters support their return to Poland, while 41% believe they should not return.
Hungarian Elections and Potential Extradition
Upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary could be crucial for Ziobro and Romanowski. The leader of the opposition TISZA party, Peter Magyar, has announced that if he wins, he will pursue the extradition of both politicians to Poland.
The TISZA party is projected to potentially secure a two-thirds majority, with 138 to 143 seats in the 199-member Hungarian National Assembly.
Poll Results and Methodology
The Pollster Research Institute conducted the survey between April 2-3, 2024, using the CAWI method on a representative sample of 1011 adult Poles. A total of 77% of voters believe Ziobro and Romanowski should return to Poland and face prosecution, 14% disagree, and 9% have no opinion.
