The clash between Budapest and Warsaw deepens, Hungary grants asylum to former Polish Justice Minister

2026-01-12 19:43:37Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The clash between Budapest and Warsaw deepens, Hungary grants asylum to former
Zbigniew Ziobro

Hungary has decided to grant political asylum to Poland's former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, a move that is expected to worsen relations between the two countries. Ziobro, who was once the architect of controversial reforms to the Polish judicial system, is wanted by the justice system in his country for misappropriation of funds and the illegal use of eavesdropping devices against political opponents.

In a message on social media, Ziobro confirmed that he had sought protection from Viktor Orban's government due to what he calls "political persecution" by the new pro-European government of Donald Tusk. He announced that asylum had also been requested for his wife. On the other hand, the Polish government has reacted harshly, describing the former minister as a "coward" who is fleeing justice to escape responsibility.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that Budapest has approved several asylum requests from Poland, on the grounds that many people there are being politically persecuted. This is not the first time Hungary has done this; last year it granted asylum to another former senior Polish official, Marcin Romanowski, who is also accused of misuse of public funds.

Although Hungary and Poland have been close allies for years, relations between them have cooled significantly since nationalists lost power in Warsaw in 2023. While Tusk's government vows to restore the rule of law and condemn the abuses of power of the past, Viktor Orban continues to maintain a defiant stance towards the European Union, becoming a haven for Polish politicians facing serious charges.


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