The European Parliament was the backdrop for an unusual and contentious incident on February 6, 2025, involving Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro, the wife of Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro. This episode unfolded during a press conference led by former Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, and it is causing ripples across the political spectrum.
During the conference, Krzysztof Brejza, a member of the Civic Coalition (KO), made statements alleging Kotecka-Ziobro was secretly recording him and Dariusz Joński, another KO lawmaker. Brejza took to social media, describing the moment: “This is... the wife of Ziobro. Her husband used Pegasus for eavesdropping; she only has a mobile phone and... this look. An exceptionally well-matched couple,” he quipped.
The incident gained traction as Brejza elaborated on his surprising encounter with Kotecka-Ziobro, who, according to him, stood unusually close with her phone aimed at him and Joński. “I thought someone might be recording us,” he recalled, expressing discomfort over being filmed without consent. He added, “She began to eye me strangely,” implying Kotecka-Ziobro's silent gaze was unsettling.
Brejza did not hold back, claiming, “Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro directed the action to disrupt the press conference” aimed at Bodnar, attributing the roles to others involved, including Jacek Ozdoba from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, who interrupted Bodnar during the conference. Brejza noted Ozdoba's vocal accusations against Bodnar, calling the Minister’s actions treasonous—a heated exchange cut short by Parliamentary chairman Javier Zarzalejos, who silenced Ozdoba's microphone.
This interruption led to another layer of drama, wherein Brejza pointedly addressed Kotecka-Ziobro, questioning why, if her husband utilized the controversial surveillance tool Pegasus, she was attempting to capture images on her phone. “I had never encountered someone recording from such close proximity,” he remarked, emphasizing the strangeness of the behavior.
Joining Brejza’s criticism, Joński asserted, “It is unacceptable for employees of the European Parliament to engage in such behavior,” highlighting the broader ethical concerns about espionage-like activities within the political arena. He added, “People like them must record; perhaps it is ingrained within them,” casting doubt on the integrity of PiS representatives.
Meanwhile, Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro defended herself against Brejza's accusations, stating, “If someone was ‘secretly’ recording, it was the assistants of Euro-deputy Brejza who were behind me.” Her response to Brejza's claims of intimidation was equally pointed: “If this look frightened him, it was merely out of my astonishment at his aggression and the absurdities he spouted,” referring to the tenor of Brejza’s interventions.
Kotecka-Ziobro’s rare presence at the European Parliament—she claimed it was only her second appearance there—has raised questions about her motives. Any speculation on her relationship with the parliament's proceedings must come under scrutiny, especially following the controversial use of Pegasus and allegations of spying on political adversaries during election periods.
The episode sheds light on the increasingly polarizing climate within Polish politics, where discussions of morality and legality often collide. Observers and commentators have already highlighted this moment, viewing it as emblematic of the ruling party's tactics—standing at the intersection of political surveillance and free speech.
All eyes will likely remain on the ramifications of this incident, and whether there will be any repercussions for Kotecka-Ziobro within the European Parliament. It also raises serious questions about the dynamics of privacy, surveillance, and ethical conduct among politicians, emphasizing the need for clearer standards and accountability.