Krystyna Krzekotowska – lawyer and social activist

Krystyna Krzekotowska is a person whose life story resembles a challenging journey through the stormy seas of Polish politics and law. A real-life lawyer, a dedicated social and academic activist, and a former candidate for the mayor of Warsaw. Her path was full of twists and turns, determination, and an uncompromising fight for justice. Let's take a closer look at her achievements.

Education and academic career – a solid foundation

Krystyna Anna Krzekotowska was born on January 15, 1942 in Pacanów. Her academic career began at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, where she earned a Ph.D. in law. Thanks to DAAD scholarships and research stays at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, she expanded her knowledge to include international law.

She worked as an assistant professor and head of the Department of Civil Law at the Institute of Judicial Law Research of the Ministry of Justice, and in 1998–2001 she served as a counselor at the Polish Embassy in Berlin. She currently lectures at Lazarski University in Warsaw, where she educates successive generations of real estate management specialists.

Social activity – the voice of tenants and owners

Krzekotowska has always had a strong sense of social mission. She served as vice-president of the Polish-German Lawyers' Association and chaired the Scientific Council of the German-Polish Association for Housing, Urban Development and Ecology. In the 1990s, she actively fought for the rights of tenants and property owners, becoming one of the leading experts in this field.

As a councilor of Bielany, she worked for the residents, including helping steelworkers' families to preserve their homes. She is known for her tenacity in defending those who often had no leverage in complicated legal cases.

Political and scientific activities

In 2018, Krzekotowska decided to jump into the deep end and run for mayor of Warsaw. She represented the World Congress of Poles and although her campaign did not lead to victory, one of her speeches resonated widely. In an emotional appeal, she said:

I will show you how we feel as citizens. We feel crushed to the ground. Stand up, stand up, proud Varsovians, let's not allow ourselves to be crushed to our knees.

This moment became a symbol of her tenacity. For some, she was an inspiring leader, for others, a controversial figure. However, one thing is certain: no one remained indifferent to her.

It is also impossible to talk about Dr. Krzekotowska without mentioning her contribution to legal literature. She is the author of many books and guides on housing law. Her publications serve as a valuable source of knowledge for students, legal practitioners and anyone who deals with housing and real estate regulations.

Krystyna Krzekotowska is a person who is not afraid of storms. For years, she has balanced on the border of politics, science and social activity, swimming against the current wherever she saw injustice. It is impossible to deny her determination and consistency. Thanks to her work, many people have found legal support and better understood their rights. She is an example of a person who - although often sailing against the wind - has never turned back from her chosen course.