Former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro has relocated to the US via a visa granted by President Donald Trump, following a political shift in Hungary that threatened his extradition.
Ziobro’s Relocation to the US
Zbigniew Ziobro and his wife, Patrycja Kotecka, have arrived in the United States after receiving a US visa. According to reports, the decision was made personally by President Donald Trump, despite opposition from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose.
TV Republika first reported the departure on Sunday, May 10, and announced a scheduled interview with the politician. A photo published by TVN24 showed Ziobro at Newark Airport in New York on Saturday, May 9, where he was reportedly on a transit flight.
Marcin Romanowski’s Precarious Position
Unlike Ziobro, former deputy minister Marcin Romanowski did not receive a US visa and remained in Hungary. Romanowski is currently subject to a European Arrest Warrant (EAW).
Jacek Karnowski, editor-in-chief of Telewizja Polska 24, suggested that Romanowski may no longer be in Hungary and is currently in hiding, noting a lack of contact and media presence.
Hungarian Election Fallout and Extradition Threats
The situation changed following the victory of Peter Magyar and his TISZA party in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. Magyar stated that Ziobro and Romanowski would not remain in the country for long.
During his campaign, Magyar promised that if his party won, the two PiS politicians would face extradition, arguing that such a move is consistent with international law and European cooperation principles.
Defiance Against Donald Tusk
When asked by Polsat News if he was prepared for extradition following the shift in the Hungarian government, Ziobro asserted that he is always ready to fight for the truth.
Ziobro declared that he would continue to fight Prime Minister Donald Tusk from wherever he is located, stating that even if he were imprisoned in Poland, he would still fight against Tusk’s political games.