Budapest has again become a phase for Polish politics. On Thursday Viktor Orbán published a photograph with Zbigniew Ziobra and added a comment that sounded far beyond Hungary's borders. "Justice for Poland," he wrote, adding that the government in Warsaw is leading a political right-wing campaign. “In absurd times we live,” he concluded.
Viktor Orban met Zbigniew Ziobra Fot. X / @PM_ViktorOrban
Budapest signal and unplanned conversation
For years, Orbán has been building a communicative about defending the sovereignty of states towards EU institutions. In Budapest, he met with Zbigniew Ziobra, who came to the premiere of the movie "The Acquisition" about changes in TVP after the 2023 election. Ziobrob claims that the conversation with the Prime Minister of Hungary was not planned. According to his report, it was all about political matters, congratulations to Hungary “for defending sovereignty” and the diagnosis that the power in Warsaw is coming to an end.
Reactions in Warsaw
Polish policy immediately responded to Orbán's entry. Donald Tusk signed the full situation with 1 sentence: “Or in custody or Budapest”.
Either in custody or Budapest.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) October 30, 2025Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski ironically asked for a possible asylum. Short, customs reposts replaced long statements, due to the fact that in specified a format most disputes about symbols and narratives are being fought today.
Either in custody or Budapest.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) October 30, 2025Justice Fund and 26 charges
In the background remains the most serious context for Ziebra. The National Prosecutor's Office sent a motion to the Sejm to waive immunity to the erstwhile Minister, together with a request for consent for detention and temporary detention. Investigators are talking about "extensive evidence", the hazard of non-contribution and the fear of harassment. The core of the case is irregularities in the availability of funds from the Justice Fund and the number of possible acts — Twenty-six — impressive.
"Border" versus the regulation of law
Law and Justice responds to the charge of political revenge. Jarosław Kaczyński calls the constructions of the prosecutor's office “brings”, claiming that he is trying to make the authoritative activity “abuse”. This is another chapter in the dispute over the limits of the regulation of law: whether ruthless settlement of abuse is evidence of organization maturity or a tool of winners. The fact that this debate is taking place simultaneously in Warsaw and Budapest, only raising the temperature.
Day of 2 quotes
“Justice for Poland! Poland's right hand won a immense triumph in the presidential election. Since then, the pro-Brussels Polish government has launched a political run against it. present I met erstwhile Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro in Budapest. The Polish government is trying to lead to his arrest. All this is happening in the heart of Europe, while Brussels is silent. In absurd times we live” “ Viktor Orbán wrote
Justice for Poland! The Polish right achievements a utmost victim in the presidential election. Since then, the pro-Brussels Polish government has launched a political witch hunt against them.
Today, I met with erstwhile Minister of Justice @ZiobroPL in Budapest. The Polish... pic.twitter.com/U5WtAgyhhW
Donald Tusk referred to Ziobra's visit to Budapest, which is accused of committing 26 crimes. “Or in custody, or Budapest.”
What's next?
Two paintings stay longer: a handshake in Budapest and a short conviction from Warsaw. The remainder will be decided by decisions of the Sejm and the courts. If immunity is lifted, the case will decision from political agora to court. If not, politics will emergence again. So far Budapest has sent a clear signal and Warsaw has responded with an equally clear point.
