'Polish MEP snorted at me like a pig': Cynthia Ní Mhurchú makes complaint against Jacek Ozdoba

Ireland South MEP also criticised committee chair saying the noises and Bogdan Rzonca's response risked 'giving the impression of bias and misogynistic behaviour towards female MEPs'

Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchú said Jacek Ozdoba’s "base, vulgar, and crude behaviour obstructed the orderly running of the meeting." File picture: Gareth Chaney

A Fianna Fáil MEP has submitted a formal complaint against a Polish MEP, after he snorted like a pig at her during a committee meeting in Brussels.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South, has formally written to European Parliament president Roberta Metsola over the incident, which took place in December.

In her complaint, Ms Ní Mhurchú said Jacek Ozdoba’s "base, vulgar, and crude behaviour obstructed the orderly running of the meeting".

In a video of the incident, Ms Ní Mhurchú is shown speaking during the session, criticising Mr Ozdoba for his previous commentary on law and order in Poland.

While Ms Ní Mhurchú is speaking, a snorting sound can be heard on the recording.

In response, Ms Ní Mhurchú said: 

“I’m sorry, chair, that gentleman has just snorted at me like a pig, and I’m going to ask you that he be removed from the room.

Polish MEP Jacek Ozdoba. Cynthia Ni Mhurchú responded to the noises by saying: 'I’m sorry, chair, that gentleman has just snorted at me like a pig, and I’m going to ask you that he be removed from the room.' Picture: European Parliament

“It is the height of an insult to a woman, to an MEP, to a member to be snorted at with the sound of a pig.”

She added Mr Ozdoba’s actions were “completely downgrading”, while also accusing the MEP of making further “groaning and moaning” sounds.

In her letter, Ms Ní Mhurchu also criticised the committee’s chair, Bogdan Rzonca, saying he did not intervene to stop Mr Ozdoba’s interruptions: 

The absence of any corrective action created an atmosphere in which harassment-like behaviour — perpetrated by a man against a woman — was effectively tolerated.

“This upset me and caused me to feel offended and disrespected.

'Bias and misogynistic behaviour' 

“This is particularly concerning given that both the chair and MEP Ozdoba are male and belong to the same political group, which risks giving the impression of bias and misogynistic behaviour towards female MEPs.”

Concluding her letter, Ms Ní Mhurchú called on Ms Metsola to review the conduct of both Mr Ozdoba and Mr Rzonca, adding that an “appropriate” caution for the two MEPs be considered.

In a statement, Mr Rzonca denied he failed to intervene, saying a recording of the meeting shows he reacted to interruptions.

“Throughout the meeting, I ensured equal speaking rights for all members, including Ms Ní Mhurchu and Mr Ozdoba, in accordance with the principle of impartiality,” he said.

However, the video also shows Ms Ní Mhurchú repeatedly calling for Mr Rzonca to intervene to remove Mr Ozdoba for his behaviour.

Mr Ozdoba was contacted for comment.

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter