Polish politicians Zbigniew Ziobro and Marcin Romanowski may flee to the United States as Hungary’s new government signals a change in asylum policy.
Asylum and Extradition Scenarios
Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA party, suggested Ziobro and Romanowski should not have purchased furniture in Hungary, implying their stay will be brief. He signaled a change in approach towards Polish politicians, but extradition procedures could take weeks or months, allowing time for them to leave Hungary.
Both Ziobro and Romanowski reportedly received political asylum under a 2007 Hungarian law, but details of their status haven’t been publicly documented. This lack of clarity complicates determining applicable procedures.
Legal Differences: European Arrest Warrant
A key difference between the two politicians is the existence of a European Arrest Warrant (ENA). Currently, an ENA has been issued only for Marcin Romanowski, meaning he is subject to extradition to Poland if apprehended.
Zbigniew Ziobro is not currently subject to an ENA, complicating his potential return to Poland. An ENA issued for Ziobro would place him and Romanowski under the same legal procedures.
Extradition Procedures
Even with an ENA for Romanowski, extradition isn’t immediate. It requires arrest, followed by review by a Hungarian court considering his international protection status. Extradition is possible if asylum is revoked or deemed not an obstacle, but appeals and legal analysis could prolong the process.
Without an ENA, standard EU extradition procedures cannot be initiated for Ziobro.
Flight to the United States
The duration of these procedures creates an opportunity for both politicians to leave Hungary before being detained. A move to the United States is considered the most likely scenario.
Szabolcs Panyi, a Hungarian journalist, stated that neither Romanowski nor Ziobro are likely to go to Minsk, Moscow, or the United Arab Emirates due to geopolitical factors, leaving the United States as the most viable option.
Direct flights from Hungary to the United States facilitate a quick departure before legal proceedings conclude.
Hungary’s Policy Shift and Cooperation with Poland
Peter Magyar has announced Hungary will no longer be a safe haven for individuals wanted by other EU countries, potentially leading to the revocation of asylum for Ziobro and Romanowski. The new government also signals a desire to improve relations with Poland, potentially increasing cooperation on legal matters.
Polish authorities intend to secure the return of both politicians, but the timeline depends on Hungarian and EU legal procedures.
