Rebirth of local government in Poland: 25 years of decentralization reform

Abstract

Decentralization was crucial pillar of larger political and economic transformation in the post-socialistic context in Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Last decades of change within political and economic system in Poland provide numerous examples of various dimensions of reforms. This chapter refers to decentralization seen as process in reaction against the failure of the centralized state. The scope of two decentralizations waves is described followed by analysis of current subnational government system including public finance and development of civil service. This chapter discusses also main challenges within the local communities like citizens’ participation and low level of trust in Polish society.