Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated the US Ambassador assured him there are no plans to grant asylum to Zbigniew Ziobro, following speculation after changes in Hungary.
Sikorski Discusses Ziobro’s Asylum Prospects with US Ambassador
Radosław Sikorski addressed speculation regarding Zbigniew Ziobro potentially relocating to the United States. He stated he contacted the US Ambassador to Poland regarding the matter.
According to Minister Sikorski, Ambassador Rose confirmed that the United States has no such plans. The US administration does not appear to be considering a scenario where the former Minister of Justice could receive asylum.
Ziobro’s Attempts to Seek Asylum Remain Unsuccessful
“Newsweek” reported that Ziobro had begun efforts to move to the United States, but his contacts with American officials were unsuccessful. This may be due to the 2018 Act on the Institute of National Remembrance, which the US and Israel deemed antisemitic.
Sikorski: Ziobro’s Position Has Deteriorated
The Foreign Minister assessed that Zbigniew Ziobro’s position has significantly worsened following the change of power in Budapest. He pointed to statements from Hungary’s future Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, who declared his country would not offer asylum to “international criminals.”
Magyar stated after the election that Ziobro could no longer expect protection in Hungary and should return to Poland to face charges.
Shrinking Options for Ziobro
The Minister emphasized that Ziobro’s room for maneuver is rapidly shrinking, and attempts to find further asylum may prove ineffective. Ziobro himself has refuted these suggestions, while his former associate, Marcin Romanowski, stated that the decision on asylum rests with the Hungarian court.
“Ziobro Made a Serious Mistake”
Sikorski stated that Ziobro put himself in a difficult position by failing to respond to a prosecutor’s summons. He argued this behavior undermines the credibility of someone publicly declaring their willingness to defend their actions.
The Minister also noted that the prosecution intends to bring numerous and serious charges against Ziobro, including leading an organized criminal group.
Impact of Hungarian Events on Polish Politics
Bartosz T. Wieliński on Wyborcza.pl analyzes how events in Hungary may affect the situation in Poland. Peter Magyar, the future Hungarian Prime Minister, is promising uncompromising accountability from the Viktor Orbán era, potentially offering lessons for Polish democrats.