A Polish MP known for his promotion of animal welfare has died following a road-traffic accident, his party has announced. Łukasz Litewka died after he was hit by a car while riding his bike in the southwestern town of Dąbrowa Górnicza on Thursday. He was 36 years old. In its statement issued on the same day, his party, the Left, said Poland had lost “a man with a great, open heart and a politician devoted to the fight for the rights of the weakest.” It added that Litewka “was the embodiment of goodness.” It said that he “died in a way we cannot come to terms with”. It thanked him for his “work, energy” and “great sensitivity,” and said it would fight for his legacy. Litewka was best known in Poland for his advocacy for animal rights, which made him one of the country’s most recognizable politicians on the issue. Local police said on Thursday they had launched an investigation, and that they were working to establish the identity of a male driver involved in the incident as he was not carrying any documents. Condolences from across political spectrum Messages of condolence for Litewka came from across Poland’s political scene, with senior figures from rival parties paying tribute to the lawmaker. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Litewka would be remembered as “a man with a great heart” who “bravely devoted himself to helping people and animals,” and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. Parliament Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty wrote: “MP. Friend. Honour to his memory. My thoughts are now with Łukasz’s family.” Former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, now a member of parliament for the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, described Litewka as “kind, always smiling and helpful.” Sławomir Mentzen, one of the leaders of the far‑right Confederation party, said he received the news “with disbelief and sadness.” Other politicians also shared messages of sympathy.
Łukasz Litewka “was the embodiment of goodness,” the Left party said on X. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
