Poland’s ruling coalition has formally submitted a motion to the Sejm (parliament) to bring Zbigniew Ziobro, former Justice Minister, before the State Tribunal.
Coalition Submits State Tribunal Motion Against Ziobro
The Civic Coalition (KO) announced Wednesday that a motion to initiate proceedings before the State Tribunal against Zbigniew Ziobro, a PiS (Law and Justice) MP and former Minister of Justice, has been filed with the Sejm. The motion was signed by MPs from the KO, Left, PSL (Polish People’s Party), Polska 2050, and Center.
KO club chairman Zbigniew Konwiński stated the motion contains 51 charges, including 25 constitutional violations and 26 related to suspected common crimes. The document exceeds 250 pages, includes 117 pieces of evidence, and anticipates the questioning of 68 individuals before the Commission for Constitutional Responsibility.
Prosecutor General’s Previous Notification
At the end of November last year, Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek informed the Speaker of the Sejm about charges against Ziobro. The prosecution indicated this notification could serve as a basis for the Sejm to consider whether the alleged legal violations constitute a constitutional offense, potentially leading to Ziobro’s accountability before the State Tribunal.
Sejm Speaker Anticipated Motion
Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty had previously announced the intention to submit a motion for Ziobro’s referral to the State Tribunal.
Coalition Unity on the Issue
PSL club chairman Krzysztof Paszyk emphasized the significance of the motion, given Ziobro’s prominent role within the PiS party, calling it a symbolic step towards accountability. Left club secretary Tadeusz Tomaszewski noted that the work of parliamentary investigative committees substantiated the preparation of the motion.
Allegations Center on Rule of Law Violations
Jarosław Urbaniak, KO club secretary and representative of the motion’s proponents, highlighted that all 51 charges relate to a “breach of the principle of legality,” with Ziobro allegedly violating fundamental legal provisions as Minister of Justice.
Challenges and Political Context
Paweł Śliz, head of the Polska 2050 club, acknowledged the challenging parliamentary arithmetic, suggesting the motion’s purpose extends beyond immediate success, aiming to demonstrate that accountability applies to all, regardless of political affiliation. He pointed to public opinion data indicating waning support for Ziobro among some PiS voters.
Details Remain Confidential, ENA Request Pending
MPs declined to disclose specific details of the charges, citing the ongoing nature of the proceedings. An European Arrest Warrant (ENA) request for Ziobro remains pending, with ongoing court proceedings regarding his arrest and the ENA request.
Ziobro’s Response and Current Status
Ziobro, when questioned about the potential State Tribunal proceedings, stated he would return to Poland under conditions allowing him to defend himself and present the facts. He is currently under international protection in Hungary, having left Poland following allegations of irregularities in the Justice Fund.
Allegations in the Justice Fund Case
The prosecution accuses Ziobro of leading a criminal group and abusing his position to commit crimes related to the Justice Fund, including directing funds to favored entities and interfering with the competitive bidding process.
