Radom councilor Jan Pszczoła, affiliated with New Left, collapsed and died after a contentious city council session.
Extraordinary Session Leads to Tensions
On Friday (February 20), an extraordinary session of the Radom City Council took place, requested by PiS councilors. The session concerned an event marking the start of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the June 1976 protests. The authorities had organized a party in the PRL style, during which Vice President Marta Michalska-Wilk was photographed with men dressed as officers of the Citizens’ Militia.
This incident caused public outrage. PiS councilors demanded formal apologies, and when no representatives from the city authorities attended the meeting, they requested the dismissal of the vice president.
Pszczoła Collapses After Session
Councilor Jan Pszczoła, affiliated with New Left, was the last to speak during the session. After the meeting concluded, some attendees began chanting “Down with communism!” and “Away, commune!” according to media reports. Shortly after, Pszczoła suddenly collapsed.
He was transported to a hospital in serious condition. Medical staff determined he had suffered a stroke, and despite efforts, he could not be saved.
Tributes to Deceased Councilor
“This morning I received very sad news. Our colleague, Councilor Jan Pszczoła of the Left, has passed away. This is a huge loss for our self-government community and all of Radomia. A man who for years with devotion and commitment worked for the residents of our city has departed,” wrote Radom President Radosław Witkowski.
“He was a councilor, but above all he was a good, kind person – open to conversation, ready to cooperate beyond divisions. His voice in discussions was always balanced, substantive and full of respect for others. He will remain in our memory as a person for whom public service was a true mission,” Witkowski added.