On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the eyes of the nation will be on Gorlice as the funeral service for Barbara Skrzypek, a close associate of Jarosław Kaczyński, takes place. Skrzypek, who passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 66, had a profound influence on the Law and Justice party (PiS), serving as the head of the Chancellery and the Director of the Presidential Bureau within the party. This funeral is not just a remembrance; it comes amid serious political overtones due to her unexpected death.
The funeral services will commence at 12:00 PM with a rosary prayer at the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gorlice, followed by a funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Notable attendees are expected to include President Andrzej Duda, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, and several other leading party members, including the PiS candidate for president, Karol Nawrocki. The procession to the parish cemetery will begin around 2:00 PM, after the conclusion of the Mass.
Skrzypek was hailed as a key figure in the PiS party, having worked closely with Kaczyński for over thirty years, first in various capacities within the Council of Ministers during the People's Republic of Poland, and later within PiS after its formation. Her dedication and industrious nature earned her considerable respect among her peers. Kaczyński has lauded her as "an extraordinary person" and has described her profession as one in which she was a "genius." He noted the lengths she went to in both her professional and personal life, saying, "She was incredibly hardworking and very brave because she had a terribly difficult personal life."
The circumstances surrounding her death have become a matter of public interest and speculation. She reportedly died of a heart attack, but her passing came shortly after she testified on March 12, 2025, in relation to an ongoing investigation into the Srebrna company, a situation that has entangled many within the party, including Kaczyński himself, who has been accused by a relative involved in the company. PiS claims that the stress stemming from this line of questioning was a significant factor in Skrzypek’s untimely demise.
Funeral arrangements have been kept private, in accordance with the family's wishes. As a result, PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek issued a statement on March 21, urging media representatives to respect the solemn nature of the ceremony: "Tomorrow will be the last farewell for Barbara Skrzypek. Due to the request of her closest family, we ask media representatives to respect the mourning ceremonies and not report on the course of the funeral." This appeal underscores the gravity of the situation, as the public and media attendees must navigate the boundaries of respect and scrutiny.
The procession will traverse significant streets in Gorlice, including Wróblewskiego and Krakowska, leading to the parish cemetery where Skrzypek will be laid to rest in grave number 3694 in sector II. The city has placed special provisions for parking at Municipal School Complex No. 5 to facilitate attendees. Police and state security services will oversee the event to ensure safety and order, highlighting the impact of Skrzypek’s political life and the standing of the officials in attendance.
The situation in Gorlice reflects the intertwining of personal loss and political affairs. As the funeral draws the attention of the nation, it serves as both a moment of mourning and a reflection of the deeper implications of Skrzypek’s life and legacy within the fabric of Polish politics. The request for privacy signals an effort to maintain the dignity of the situation despite the turbulent backdrop surrounding her death.
In places like Gorlice, where communities are tightly knit, the loss of a prominent figure within the PiS will leave a palpable void. As friends, family, and colleagues gather to honor a life marked by service, it becomes evident that the ripples of her contributions will be felt long after the final prayers are spoken and the last members of the procession have departed.
