Jarosław Kaczyński, President of Law and Justice, during a meeting with residents of Kwiszyn on November 15, 2025, made a controversial statement on the death of Andrzej Lepper. The PiS leader stated that the former Deputy Prime Minister and the head of Self-defense did not commit suicide, but was the victim of murder by individuals from his own surroundings. These words caused a storm in the media and on social platforms, bringing back to the public debate one of the biggest mysteries of Polish politics years ago.
What exactly did Kaczyński say?
Podczas spotkania w ramach cyklu „Czas Polski – Program Polaków” Kaczyński odniósł się do śmierci Leppera, która oficjalnie została uznana za Suicide w 2011 roku. Prezes PiS stwierdził: „Według mnie Lepper został zamordowany. Ale został zamordowany przez ludzi ze swoich środowisk dlatego, że chciał powiedzieć prawdę […]” . Dodał również ironicznie: „Jeżeli on był skłonny do popełnienia samobójstwa to ja jestem skoczkiem wzwyż, mistrzem olimpijskim” .
Kaczyński explained that Lepper wanted to reveal the truth about events related to the end of the rule of the PiS-Samoobron-LPR coalition in 2007. According to him, the leader of Self-defense planned to go to the PiS side and reveal the scenes of the affair, which could threaten certain people. These words fell in the context of responding to the allegations of Sławomir Mentzen of the Confederate, who accused Kaczyński of contributing to Lepper's death.
Who was Andrew Lepper, and what do we know about his death?
Andrzej Lepper (1954-2011) was a charismatic politician, the founder of the Party of Self-defense, who represented the interests of farmers and rural communities. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture in the government of Jarosław Kaczyński. His career was full of controversy – from roadblocks to corruption and sexafer charges.
5 sierpnia 2011 roku Lepper został znaleziony martwy w biurze swojej partii w Warszawie. Oficjalna wersja śledztwa prokuratury wskazywała na Suicide przez powieszenie, spowodowane problemami finansowymi i osobistymi. Jednak od początku pojawiały się teorie spiskowe sugerujące Murder. Lepper's family, including his son Thomas, questioned this version, indicating the absence of a suicide note and suspicious circumstances.
Reactions to Kaczyński's words
The statement of the President of the Law and Justice Office quickly announced media and social platforms. Roman Gierty, former Deputy Prime Minister and Advocate, commented on X: "And so the case of Andrzej Lepper returns, and the first witness will be Jarosław Kaczyński. I wonder if he'll tell you about what Lepper knew about him too?"
Andrzej Lepper's son, Tomasz, referred to Kaczyński's words in the media: "He assured me that Lepper was not murdered" . He stressed that PiS president had previously denied conspiracy theories, which now raises doubts about his intentions.
The X users shared their opinions. One of the posts says: "Today Kaczyński, this stetric grandfather wipes his mouth with Andrzej Lepper", while PiS supporters share recordings from the meeting, emphasizing Kaczyński's courage in revealing the truth.
Opposition politicians criticise the statement as an attempt to distract attention from current problems, such as election polls, where the Law and Justice are losing to the Confederation. Sławomir MentzenTo which Kaczyński referred, he has not yet commented publicly.
Why now? Political context
Kaczyński's statement fell during the time when the PiS prepares for possible early elections. Relations with the Confederate, including Mentzen, are strained – Confederate leader accuses Kaczyński of destroying political rivals, recalling among others Lepper and Zbigniew Ziobra .
Political analysts suggest that this is an attempt to mobilise the PiS electorate by returning to the narrative about the "order" and plots from the past. However, without new evidence, the statement can only remain a media sensation without leading to a reopening of the investigation.
What's next on the Lepper case?
Public Prosecutor’s Office In the past, she has twice dropped her investigation into Lepper's death without finding evidence of third party involvement. Kaczyński's words may prompt the reopening of the case, especially if the president of PiS decides to make an official statement. However, this remains in the sphere of speculation.
This controversy reminds us of how the past continues to influence Polish politics. Will Kaczyński’s words bring new facts, or will they only deepen divisions? Follow the developments – the Lepper case may still come back despite many years.
