Studia Administracyjne

One of the basic political principles of the Polish state is the principle of civil society. It is not directly enshrined in the constitution, but is based on other principles: freedom of association, subsidiarity, a republican form of state. It provides for the introduction of state management mechanisms in such a way that, especially at the lowest level – in the municipality – residents have a real opportunity to participate effectively in solving common problems. The competences and actions of local authorities are particularly important. The competences of the municipality’s self-government do not raise any objections, especially their implementation is important. Transparency and full public information is essential. Participation includes not only traditional institutions of direct democracy (such as a referendum or a relatively new “citizens’ budget”), but also forms of soft influence (e.g. initiative to adopt a Council resolution, public consultation). These forms are now, in principle, sufficiently developed. Nowadays, the problem is first of all to convince the public that individual activity can be effective and that it is worth using the existing legal possibilities. It should also be borne in mind, however, that participation must be kept within certain limits, the exceeding of which will lead to negative effects.