Auxiliary commune bodies within the structure of local authorities in Poland Cover Image

Jednostki pomocnicze gmin w strukturze władzy lokalnej w Polsce
Auxiliary commune bodies within the structure of local authorities in Poland

Author(s): Arkadiusz Ptak
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego
Keywords: villages; village heads; auxiliary bodies; local authorities; commune; local political stage

Summary/Abstract: Villages {sołectwa - the smallest administrative units in Poland) are one of the most stable institutions in Polish political system. Current model of a modern village allows for the significant independence as far as goals of a village are concerned. Said independence may then be regarded as following the principle of subsidiarity. On the other hand, the normative model of villages, which was adopted in 1990, marginalizes the body as a part of the local authorities. Villages were not given the capabilities/tools to secure a strong position in the decentralized structure of the national government. Never the less, the role and the position of a village head is quite different. Although formally his or her role as the local authority is not too essential, the situation may be the opposite when political aspects are considered. Holding duties in a competent way as well as personal qualities may help create an important player on the local political stage.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 05
  • Page Range: 63-78
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish