In October, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was seen at a Budapest cinema, but he says he has never filed an asylum application, contradicting MP Marcin Romanowski’s claims.
Prosecutor Action Against Ziobro
On 27 October, former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was spotted at the artistic cinema Uránia in Budapest when the film “Przejęcie”—which deals with post‑2023 election changes to TVP—played. Polish Law and Justice MP Marcin Romanowski, who was granted asylum in Hungary, also attended. The following day, the National Prosecutor’s Office sent a petition to the Sejm to lift Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity. Prosecutors accuse Ziobro of leading an organised crime group and include charges such as abuse of office, failure to perform duties, and directing a criminal network. The petition is based on findings of the Triage Investigation Team No. 2, which examined irregularities in the disbursement of funds from the Justice Fund. Prosecutors allege that Ziobro committed 26 crimes, including exceeding his powers and facilitating organised crime.
Ziobro Denies Asylum Claims
Former Justice Minister Ziobro said in a interview with wpolityce.pl that he has filed no asylum applications or documents in any country. When asked about the situation, he emphasised that he had not submitted any requests. Political scientist Prof. Dr. hab. Robert Alberski from Wrocław University suggests that, unlike MP Romanowski, Ziobro’s attempt at asylum would be far more difficult given his status as former Minister, former party leader, and prominent PiS figure. Alberski added that Ziobro would likely stay in Poland to confront prosecutor charges and that he might seek support from Karol Nawrocki or even the President, though the professor did not expect a special reaction even if convicted.
Ziobro Responds to Budapest Visit
Ziobro addressed his Budapest appearance on social media platform X, explaining he was invited to show Hungarian friends the government led by a prime minister “anointed” by Brussels. He described a narrative that Poland’s sovereignty, values and national identity protect Hungarians from “chaos in the law, rising electricity prices and investment blockades” that are supposedly occurring in Poland. Ziobro referenced the film “Przejęcie” in his comments, claiming that former Prime Minister Tusk’s promises are a deceit toward Poles.
