Jarosław Kaczyński, President of Law and Justice, made a controversial statement on the death of Andrzej Lepper during a meeting with residents of Kwidzyna on November 15, 2025. The PiS leader stated that former Deputy Prime Minister and 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?
During the meeting as part of the series "Time of Poland – Programme of Poles" Kaczyński referred to Lepper's death, which was officially declared a suicide in 2011. PiS president stated: "I believe Lepper was murdered. But he was murdered by people from his background because he wanted to tell the truth [...]". He also ironically added: "If he was willing to commit suicide, I am the high jumper, Olympic champion."
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.
On August 5, 2011, Lepper was found dead in his party's office in Warsaw. The official version of the prosecution's investigation indicated suicide by hanging, caused by financial and personal problems. But there were conspiracy theories from the beginning suggesting 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 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 Mentzen, to whom Kaczyński referred, 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?
The D.A. in the past has twice dropped the 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.
