The System of the Local Self-Governments in Poland
The System of the Local Self-Governments in Poland

Author(s): Adam Sauer
Subject(s): Governance, Government/Political systems, Post-Communist Transformation
Published by: AMO – Asociace pro mezinárodní otázky
Keywords: Poland; local self-government; decentralization; Solidarity movement; administrative reform; territorial organization; municipal elections; gmina; Jerzy Buzek; state centralism
Summary/Abstract: The second serious step towards decentralization has been made after post-Solidarity parties returned to power in autumn 1997 (cabinet of the Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek). This reform was better prepared, after few years of studies, strategies, exchange of foreign and internal experiences. When political will appeared, the reformers exactly knew what to do, but the time factor also played the important role. In 1998 the reformers had only half a year to introduce the reform and therefore there was no time for checking all solutions, the political risk has been taken. Prof. Michal Kulesza, who in December 1997 became the Plenipotentiary of the Government for the Reform of the State System, claims it was the only realistic approach.

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