Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro has relocated to the United States from Hungary after receiving a visa from Donald Trump, while the status of Marcin Romanowski remains uncertain.
Ziobro’s Arrival in the United States
TV Republika reported on Sunday, May 10, that Zbigniew Ziobro is currently in the USA. A viewer photo placed him at Newark Airport in New Jersey on Saturday, May 9, and unofficial reports indicate he utilized a transit ticket during his journey.
Prior to this move, Ziobro had been staying in Budapest, where he and his former deputy, Marcin Romanowski, had obtained political asylum from the government of Viktor Orban.
Trump’s Role in the Visa Process
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, Ziobro and his wife, Patrycja Kotecka, entered the US via a visa personally approved by President Donald Trump, despite opposition from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador Tom Rose.
Marcin Romanowski’s legal situation is more complex; he had previously been denied a US visa under Orban’s tenure and is the subject of an active European Arrest Warrant, whereas no such warrant had been issued for Ziobro at the time.
Ziobro’s Public Statements and New Role
In a Sunday evening interview with TV Republika, Ziobro confirmed his presence in the US, stating he does not intend to hide and intends to exercise “American freedom.”
During the interview, Ziobro attacked Donald Tusk and Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, accusing the latter of manipulating the judiciary. Ziobro also announced that he will now serve as a political commentator for TV Republika.
The Mystery of Marcin Romanowski
The current location of former deputy Marcin Romanowski remains unclear. While some sources suggest he remains in Hungary or has already reached the US, Ziobro declined to answer questions regarding Romanowski’s fate.
A representative from Pd Residence confirmed that the Budapest apartment Romanowski rented from individuals linked to Fidesz has been empty since May 1, following the expiration of his lease at the end of April.
Hungarian Political Shift
Ziobro’s departure coincided with the swearing-in of new Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Before his victory, Magyar had explicitly stated he would not host individuals fleeing justice.
Following his election, Magyar reiterated that Hungary would not serve as a sanctuary for international criminals, previously suggesting that Ziobro and Romanowski would not stay in the country for long.
Charges Over the Justice Fund
The National Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against both Ziobro and Romanowski regarding irregularities within the Justice Fund. A European Arrest Warrant has been re-issued for Romanowski, while a request for one against Ziobro is pending in court.
Ziobro is accused of leading an organized criminal group and committing 26 offenses, including ordering subordinates to break the law to ensure specific entities received grants and interfering with tender processes.