Speaking from Bucharest on Wednesday, President Karol Nawrocki dismissed concerns that the presence of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro in the United States could jeopardize the strategic partnership between Warsaw and Washington. Addressing reporters during a conference, Nawrocki asserted that the diplomatic ties between the two nations are built on fundamental security interests that far outweigh the legal disputes of a single individual.
The comments come after Ziobro, a prominent Law and Justice (PiS) lawmaker, announced Sunday that he is currently residing in the U.S. Ziobro maintained that he did not flee Poland, stating instead that he is traveling on documents granted to him through asylum status previously obtained in Hungary. The revelation has sparked a political firestorm in Poland, where Ziobro is a primary suspect in a sprawling investigation into the alleged misuse of the Justice Fund.
When asked if he had any role in facilitating the former minister’s arrival in the U.S., Nawrocki characterized the matter as a private administrative issue. He argued that the focus of the Polish-American relationship should remain on high-level statecraft rather than the visa status of a private citizen, stating that the situation would not in any way affect the broader bilateral trajectory.
Prioritizing Security Over Individual Legal Disputes
President Nawrocki emphasized that both he and U.S. President Donald Trump operate as serious leaders who prioritize national interests over personal controversies. In his view, the pillars of the transatlantic alliance are rooted in military cooperation and regional stability, rather than the movements of political figures facing domestic charges.
— Zarówno ja, jak i prezydent Donald Trump jesteśmy poważnymi przywódcami swoich państw i wiemy, co jest ważne — Nawrocki stated. He further elaborated that the critical priorities for Poland include maintaining the number of American troops on Polish soil, securing Poland’s position within the G20, and the release of Polish-minority activist Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus.
Nawrocki pushed back against attempts to integrate Ziobro’s legal status into official diplomatic channels, calling such efforts “unserious and irresponsible.” He framed Ziobro’s departure as a matter of personal life and the simple completion of a visa application form, contrasting this with the “fundamental” security needs of the region.
— Ważne są kwestie militarne, wojskowe, bezpieczeństwa, grupa G20, 300 lat relacji transatlantyckich polskich i amerykańskich w odniesieniu do wartości, a nie wiza i wyjazd człowieka, który nie mógł się spodziewać uczciwego procesu w Polsce — the President added.
The Justice Fund Probe and Legal Pursuit
The controversy surrounding Ziobro’s location is inextricably linked to a severe legal crisis. The National Prosecutor’s Office (Prokuratura Krajowa) is currently investigating the Justice Fund, with Ziobro and former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski named as suspects. Prosecutors allege that Ziobro used his position to lead an organized criminal group and engage in criminal activities for personal or political gain.
The legal pressure on Ziobro has escalated rapidly over the last year. Polish authorities previously invalidated his passports to prevent international travel. On November 7, 2025, the Sejm voted to lift Ziobro’s parliamentary immunity regarding all 26 charges brought against him, simultaneously authorizing his arrest. Despite a mandate for the Internal Security Agency (ABW) to forcibly bring him before the court, the effort proved unsuccessful as Ziobro had already left the country.
The timeline of Ziobro’s movements suggests a strategic shift in protection. He initially sought refuge in Hungary under the government of Viktor Orbán, where he received international protection. However, the political climate in Budapest shifted following the recent swearing-in of Prime Minister Peter Magyar. During his campaign, Magyar explicitly warned that the extradition of PiS politicians remaining in Hungary would be a priority for his administration.
Investigation Into ‘Aiding and Abetting’
The National Prosecutor’s Office has now expanded its scope to determine if Ziobro received illicit assistance in his flight to the United States. On Monday, National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk announced that investigators are working to identify any individuals who helped the former minister avoid criminal responsibility and obstruct the Justice Fund investigation.
A central figure in this new line of inquiry is Tomasz Sakiewicz, the president and editor-in-chief of TV Republika. Prosecutors have summoned Sakiewicz as a witness to clarify the nature of Ziobro’s new role as a political commentator for the station. Investigators are exploring whether this arrangement constitutes a crime of “poplecznictwo” (aiding a fugitive) or was designed to provide a legal veneer for Ziobro’s presence abroad.
| Legal Status/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges Filed | 26 counts related to the Justice Fund |
| Immunity Status | Lifted by Sejm on Nov 7, 2025 |
| Travel Documents | Polish passports invalidated; Hungarian asylum docs used |
| Current Location | United States of America |
| Primary Investigation | Organized criminal group and abuse of power |
As the Polish government continues to navigate the legal complexities of Ziobro’s absence, the diplomatic narrative remains focused on stability. While the domestic political battle over the Justice Fund continues to intensify, the presidency maintains that the strategic bond with the U.S. Remains insulated from these judicial disputes.
The next critical development is expected as the National Prosecutor’s Office reviews the testimony of TV Republika leadership and coordinates with international authorities regarding the validity of the documents Ziobro used to enter the United States.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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