New Experiments of Maintenance of Old Traditions? Dual System of Sub-municipal Units in Poland

Abstract

The chapter discusses development of sub-municipal units (SMUs) in Poland after the 1990 decentralization reform. It discussed major elements of legal setting and variation of local policies toward SMUs. It stresses the difference in the position of SMUs in rural areas and in urban setting. The difference is related to two factors: (1) depth of historical traditions, (2) support of the central level (rural SMU receives support from the central budget through Village Fund, while such a support is absent in case of urban SMUs). Presently Polish SMUs play only marginal role in local politics and in provision of local public services, and their role in invigorating local democracy is also very limited. This chapter discusses factors behind the variation of the position of SMUs in different cities.