The funeral of Barbara Skrzypek, a respected figure in Poland's Law and Justice party (PiS), will take place on March 22, 2025, and is marked by an atmosphere of political tension and reflection. The ceremony, which is set to begin at 12:15 PM at the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gorlice, will start with a Rosary prayer before transitioning to a funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Following the Mass, attendees will participate in a procession to the local parish cemetery, where Barbara Skrzypek will be laid to rest.
Barbara Skrzypek, who passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 66, was a close associate of Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of PiS. Preliminary results of the autopsy have determined that her death was due to a heart attack, significantly overshadowed by the timing of her questioning by prosecutors just three days prior. Such circumstances have stirred controversy and calls for accountability around her untimely passing.
High-profile attendees at the funeral will include President Andrzej Duda, who has expressed deep condolences and is expected to bestow a posthumous honor on Skrzypek during the service. Duda stated in a recent communication, "I demand explanations regarding the situation in the prosecutor's office and the sudden death of Barbara Skrzypek," highlighting concerns surrounding the legal scrutiny she faced.
Furthermore, Jarosław Kaczyński has emphatically labeled Skrzypek's death as a tragedy brought about by malice, asserting, "She fell victim to scoundrels who led to her death," and referring to the broader implications for Polish democracy: "We have a fighting democracy and the first fatal victim of that fighting democracy." His remarks reflect a sentiment among PiS leaders that further investigation into her last days is necessary and relevant for national discourse.
The funeral's arrangements indicate a blend of solemnity and security due to the notable attendance. With traffic disruptions expected around Gorlice, local authorities have reported that areas surrounding the basilica will be secured, ensuring that only invited guests and family members may enter. Parking has been managed for those attending the funeral to ease access for participants arriving by car.
In outlining the procession, it has been noted that after the Mass, attendees will proceed from the basilica along specified streets toward the parish cemetery, with the hearse heading directly to grave number 3694 in sector II. These arrangements echo the intimate yet politically charged atmosphere surrounding the ceremony.
The presence of multiple PiS politicians at the event underscores Skrzypek's influence within the party and her significant contributions, marking her as a pivotal figure within the current political landscape. Kaczyński's sentiments reflect this acknowledgment, emphasizing her loyalty and dedication, describing her as "an extremely dedicated worker and loyal." Such tributes serve as a reminder of the impact she had on her colleagues and the party at large.
As the day progresses, it is anticipated that the funeral will not only serve as a final farewell but also foster conversations about the circumstances surrounding her death and its political ramifications. Numerous reports suggest that the media will refrain from covering the event in order to respect the family's wishes for privacy.
The focus of this gathering, while somber, will highlight the legacy of Barbara Skrzypek and prompt reflection on the challenges that exist within Poland's political climate. As leaders from various factions come together, Skrzypek's death serves as a lens through which issues of accountability, integrity, and democracy are brought to the forefront.
In the wake of her passing, conversations surrounding the governance and the legal landscape in Poland are likely to intensify, particularly in light of Kaczyński's comments that directly criticize certain figures within the legal system. The implications of her death thus expand beyond personal loss to encompass deeper societal and political challenges.
