Polish former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro and aide Marcin Romanowski fled to Budapest, triggering legal mishaps, international asylum, and parliament moves to hold them accountable.
Exile of Ziobro and Romanowski
Zbigniew Ziobro announced an immediate return to Poland once courts confirm independence, yet he and his close collaborator Marcin Romanowski have settled in Budapest, citing persecution by the current administration.
Romanowski’s European Arrest Warrant was revoked after Hungary refused to enforce it; he has since obtained political asylum.
Legal Missteps by Prosecution
The Polish prosecutor general’s office failed to investigate whether Romanowski holds immunity as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Both cases show procedural errors that have drawn criticism for undermining judicial credibility.
Court Refusal to Secure Property
The Supreme Court rejected the prosecution’s request to place a forced mortgage on Ziobro’s house twice, citing substantial procedural deficiencies.
Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek dismissed the rulings as “no failure,” though the decision was widely seen as humiliating.
Overseas Political Movements
From exile, Romanowski launched the “Clean Poland” campaign, listing nearly 400 individuals—including politicians, ministers, lawyers, academics, media staff, and activists—for alleged wrongdoing.
Ziobro regularly posts on X, portraying himself as a free man and criticising the current regime.
Parliamentary Efforts for Accountability
Sejm’s new Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced a push for signatures to bring Ziobro to the State Tribunal, but the coalition lacks the required majority.
Meanwhile, the Parliament’s attempts to detain Ziobro have been postponed until 15 January 2026 due to missing evidence.
