Polish journalist, writer, and resistance activist Piotr Wierzbicki, founder of ‘Gazeta Polska’, died on 5 November 2025 at the age of 90.
Announcement of Death
The office of President Karol Nawrocki confirmed that Piotr Wierzbicki has died.
Statement by the President’s Office
In a release, the President’s office described Wierzbicki as an outstanding publicist, writer, music critic and essayist, a devoted member of the democratic opposition in the Polish People’s Republic. It noted that he was interned during martial law yet published work beyond censorship, and that he was the founder of ‘Gazeta Polska’ and its long‑standing editor.
On the 5th of November 2025, the day of Wierzbicki’s 90th birthday, President Nawrocki wrote in a commemorative letter: “May you…may the satisfaction of the right of the writer, who for decades not only passionately described Polish culture and politics but also actively shaped them, forever accompany you.”
Political Activism and Dismissal
Wierzbicki signed a letter defending members of the Workers’ Defense Committee, for which he lost his position at the periodical *Literatura*.
Early Life and Education
Born on 5 November 1935 in Warsaw, Wierzbicki studied Polish literature and initially taught the language. In the late 1950s he began publishing essays and reviews in *Współczesność*, and later wrote for *Tygodnik Powszechny* and *Literatura*.
During the martial law period, he was interned in camps at Białołęka, Jaworze, and Darłowiec.
Awards and Recognition
In 2007 he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland for his prominent contributions to the independence of the Republic, democratic activity, and social work.
Legacy
Wierzbicki’s career spanned journalism, literary criticism, and socio‑political activism, leaving a lasting impact on Polish culture and democratic society.
