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Political leaders pay tribute after Polish MP dies in traffic accident

23.04.2026 21:30
Top Polish leaders and politicians across the spectrum paid tribute on Thursday after left-wing lawmaker Łukasz Litewka died in a traffic accident in the south of the country at the age of 36.
Łukasz Litewka, pictured in October 2023.
Łukasz Litewka, pictured in October 2023.Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Litewka, an MP and a social activist, was killed when he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle near the cities of Dąbrowa Górnicza and Sosnowiec, police said.

The scene of the accident in the southern city of Dąbrowa Górnicza on Thursday. The scene of the accident in the southern city of Dąbrowa Górnicza on Thursday. Photo: PAP/Art Service

Authorities were investigating the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting the 57-year-old driver may have fallen asleep or become unwell.

President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk were among those who offered condolences, describing Litewka as a committed public servant with "a big heart."

Nawrocki said on X he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the lawmaker's death, calling Litewka a dedicated local government official and parliamentarian engaged in community and social work.

"We will miss his big heart and his care for the common good," the president wrote.

Tusk said Litewka would be remembered as "a man with a big heart who courageously devoted himself to helping people and animals."

Litewka was known as an animal welfare advocate and philanthropist who organised fundraising campaigns for causes including the medical treatment of children.

In the 2023 parliamentary election, he won a record number of votes in his constituency despite running from the last place on his party's list.

His campaign banners featured shelter dogs instead of political slogans, an initiative credited with helping hundreds of animals find new homes, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

(gs)

Source: polskieradio24.pl