Suchergebnisse

One of the most important element of political and democratic transformation after 1989 in Central and Eastern European countries was the local government reform. The main aim of that reform was to renew the local government structure and replace the soviet system of councils which was highly centralized administrative and bureaucratic system. The introduction of territorial self‑government was considered as essential task in the process of political changes after fall of communism. The basic regulations of the local government system were included in the Constitutions, acts on local government and acts on free local elections adopted in ten Central and Eastern European countries which became the members of European Union in 2004 (Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary) and in 2007 (Bulgaria and Romania). The main principles of local government reform in Central and Eastern European countries were: — democratization and decentralization — autonomy from the central government — establishment of independent local budgets — property transformation — democratic local elections.

One of the greatest achievements of the socio-political transformation process in Poland is the profound decentralization of public governance. In administrative law, decentralization is perceived as a system with a larger number of independent hubs, vested with competences in terms of public law, and a single center. Therefore, decentralization is a process of delegating certain public functions which formerly were reserved for the central government to groups of citizens organized in corporations. Although local government exemplifies decentralization it is not a one-dimensional no- tion that refers exclusively to territorial relations. In the system of representation specialized self-government bodies, formed with different criteria, play a highly significant role represen- ting the interests of various groups. They are divided into self-governing bodies focused on the economy and the professions. Formal and legal homogeneity, though, does not translate into the appropriate political position of these two forms of self-governing bodies in Poland. While the professional self-governing body is clearly an association governed by public law, the so-called economic self-governing body is based on concepts that emphasize the volunta- ry nature of the ties between entrepreneurs, associated in chambers of commerce. The differences in their legal status and the resulting powers bear no influence on the fact that both economic and professional self-governing bodies are now facing equally serious threats in Poland. In both cases these are related to how the state approaches the extra-territo- rial form of decentralization. We can speak of different motivations here. The state, or rather the state administration, is excessively interested in the professional self-governing bodies and is curbing the autonomy they have traditionally been vested with. The situation is quite different with respect to the economic self-governing bodies, where the public authorities are scarcely interested in becoming involved in supporting them. It should be realized then, that the success of Polish decentralization reform will only be complete when all forms of self-government develop harmoniously irrespective of the rela- tions between their members, whose empowerment will serve democracy and strengthen civic society. ; One of the greatest achievements of the socio-political transformation process in Poland is the profound decentralization of public governance. In administrative law, decentralization is perceived as a system with a larger number of independent hubs, vested with competences in terms of public law, and a single center. Therefore, decentralization is a process of delegating certain public functions which formerly were reserved for the central government to groups of citizens organized in corporations. Although local government exemplifies decentralization it is not a one-dimensional no- tion that refers exclusively to territorial relations. In the system of representation specialized self-government bodies, formed with different criteria, play a highly significant role represen- ting the interests of various groups. They are divided into self-governing bodies focused on the economy and the professions. Formal and legal homogeneity, though, does not translate into the appropriate political position of these two forms of self-governing bodies in Poland. While the professional self-governing body is clearly an association governed by public law, the so-called economic self-governing body is based on concepts that emphasize the volunta- ry nature of the ties between entrepreneurs, associated in chambers of commerce. The differences in their legal status and the resulting powers bear no influence on the fact that both economic and professional self-governing bodies are now facing equally serious threats in Poland. In both cases these are related to how the state approaches the extra-territo- rial form of decentralization. We can speak of different motivations here. The state, or rather the state administration, is excessively interested in the professional self-governing bodies and is curbing the autonomy they have traditionally been vested with. The situation is quite different with respect to the economic self-governing bodies, where the public authorities are scarcely interested in becoming involved in supporting them. It should be realized then, that the success of Polish decentralization reform will only be complete when all forms of self-government develop harmoniously irrespective of the rela- tions between their members, whose empowerment will serve democracy and strengthen civic society.

Celem artykułu jest wyodrębnienie czynników, które mają bezpośredni wpływ na poziom uczestnictwa mieszkańców w procesach administracyjnych, oraz opracowanie propozycji, które zapewnią systematyczne stosowanie mechanizmów włączenia społeczności lokalnej do podejmowania decyzji. Obecnie na Ukrainie trwają procesy decentralizacji, które mają na celu podwyższenie poziomu zarządzania, w związku z czym odbyło się łączenie rad miejskich i wiejskich. Znaczący wpływ na te procesy mają projekty międzynarodowe, pomagające nowoutworzonym hromadom (jednostka podziału administracyjnego) wprowadzać lepsze praktyki zarządzania, zwłaszcza poprzez włączenie społeczeństwa obywatelskiego do podejmowania decyzji na poziomie lokalnym. Problem polega na tym, że mieszkańcy z jednej strony nie wiedzą, jakie istnieją mechanizmy uczestnictwa w procesach administracyjnych, a z drugiej strony – władze lokalne niewystarczająco informują o możliwościach włączenia społeczeństwa do podejmowania decyzji. W niniejszej pracy zastosowano dwie główne techniki badawcze: wywiad i ankietowanie. Analiza została przeprowadzona na przykładzie nowoutworzonych hromad, które uczestniczyły w Programie "Decentralizacja przynosi lepsze wyniki i efektywność" (DOBRE), realizowanym przez międzynarodową organizację Global Communities i finansowanym ze środków Agencji Stanów Zjednoczonych ds. Rozwoju Międzynarodowego (USAID). Ustalono, że mieszkańcy nie są wystarczająco zorientowani w mechanizmach umożliwiających im uczestnictwo w procesach podejmowania decyzji na szczeblu lokalnym oraz możliwości ich wykorzystania. Ponadto stwierdzono, że istnieje związek wzajemny: im wyższy poziom wiedzy społeczeństwa obywatelskiego (jak otrzymać dostęp do informacji o usługach, za które odpowiadają władze lokalne), tym wyższy poziom jego zadowolenia z uczestnictwa w podejmowaniu decyzji. Potencjalnym zagrożeniem po zakończeniu projektów międzynarodowych może być cofnięcie w przemianach, które zostały wprowadzone w hromadach. W celu uniknięcia takiej sytuacji może być zaproponowane stworzenie w strukturze jednostek samorządowych osobnego wydziału odpowiadającego za wdrożenie przemian w hromadach albo przegląd funkcji już istniejących wydziałów, ich reformowanie i wprowadzenie "dobrych praktyk" dla monitoringu, analizy, zbioru danych oraz stworzenie warunków dla wewnętrznej koordynacji kierunków rozwoju. ; The aim of this article is to identify factors, that directly affect the level of inhabitants participation in the decision-making processes at the local level, and to develop proposals, that will ensure the regular using of these mechanisms. Ukraine is currently in the decentralization process, which aims to increase the level of government, as a consequence of which towns and village councils have been consolited. The international projects have a big influense at such processes, helping newly consolited communities (administrative units) to implement best management practices, especially through the involvement of inhabitants in the decision-making processes. The problem is that, inhabitants don't know, what kind of mechanisms exist for their participation in the decision-making processes at local level, and a local authorities don't sufficiently inform inhabitants about them. At this work, two main research methods are used: interviews and questionnaires. The analysis was based on the example of consolited communities, that participated in the Decentralization zation Global Communities and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was found, that inhabitants are don't know, what kind of mechanisms exist at their communities, that allow them to participate in the decision-making processes at the local level, anf how to use them. In addition, it was found, that there is a correlation: the higher is a level of inhabitants knowledge how to access information about services for which local authorities are responsible, a higher is a level of inhabitants satisfaction by their participation in the decision-making processes at local level. A potential threat after the completion of international projects may be a step back from the changes, that have been implemented in communities. This situation can be prevented by creating a special department in local town or village council responsible for implementing changes in community or reviewing the functions of existing departments, reforming them to monitor, analyze, collect data and create conditions for coordination of development directions and implementation a good governance practices in community.

Celem artykułu jest wyodrębnienie czynników, które mają bezpośredni wpływ na poziom uczestnictwa mieszkańców w procesach administracyjnych, oraz opracowanie propozycji, które zapewnią systematyczne stosowanie mechanizmów włączenia społeczności lokalnej do podejmowania decyzji. Obecnie na Ukrainie trwają procesy decentralizacji, które mają na celu podwyższenie poziomu zarządzania, w związku z czym odbyło się łączenie rad miejskich i wiejskich. Znaczący wpływ na te procesy mają projekty międzynarodowe, pomagające nowoutworzonym hromadom (jednostka podziału administracyjnego) wprowadzać lepsze praktyki zarządzania, zwłaszcza poprzez włączenie społeczeństwa obywatelskiego do podejmowania decyzji na poziomie lokalnym. Problem polega na tym, że mieszkańcy z jednej strony nie wiedzą, jakie istnieją mechanizmy uczestnictwa w procesach administracyjnych, a z drugiej strony – władze lokalne niewystarczająco informują o możliwościach włączenia społeczeństwa do podejmowania decyzji. W niniejszej pracy zastosowano dwie główne techniki badawcze: wywiad i ankietowanie. Analiza została przeprowadzona na przykładzie nowoutworzonych hromad, które uczestniczyły w Programie "Decentralizacja przynosi lepsze wyniki i efektywność" (DOBRE), realizowanym przez międzynarodową organizację Global Communities i finansowanym ze środków Agencji Stanów Zjednoczonych ds. Rozwoju Międzynarodowego (USAID). Ustalono, że mieszkańcy nie są wystarczająco zorientowani w mechanizmach umożliwiających im uczestnictwo w procesach podejmowania decyzji na szczeblu lokalnym oraz możliwości ich wykorzystania. Ponadto stwierdzono, że istnieje związek wzajemny: im wyższy poziom wiedzy społeczeństwa obywatelskiego (jak otrzymać dostęp do informacji o usługach, za które odpowiadają władze lokalne), tym wyższy poziom jego zadowolenia z uczestnictwa w podejmowaniu decyzji. Potencjalnym zagrożeniem po zakończeniu projektów międzynarodowych może być cofnięcie w przemianach, które zostały wprowadzone w hromadach. W celu uniknięcia takiej sytuacji może być zaproponowane stworzenie w strukturze jednostek samorządowych osobnego wydziału odpowiadającego za wdrożenie przemian w hromadach albo przegląd funkcji już istniejących wydziałów, ich reformowanie i wprowadzenie "dobrych praktyk" dla monitoringu, analizy, zbioru danych oraz stworzenie warunków dla wewnętrznej koordynacji kierunków rozwoju. ; The aim of this article is to identify factors, that directly affect the level of inhabitants participation in the decision-making processes at the local level, and to develop proposals, that will ensure the regular using of these mechanisms. Ukraine is currently in the decentralization process, which aims to increase the level of government, as a consequence of which towns and village councils have been consolited. The international projects have a big influense at such processes, helping newly consolited communities (administrative units) to implement best management practices, especially through the involvement of inhabitants in the decision-making processes. The problem is that, inhabitants don't know, what kind of mechanisms exist for their participation in the decision-making processes at local level, and a local authorities don't sufficiently inform inhabitants about them. At this work, two main research methods are used: interviews and questionnaires. The analysis was based on the example of consolited communities, that participated in the Decentralization zation Global Communities and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was found, that inhabitants are don't know, what kind of mechanisms exist at their communities, that allow them to participate in the decision-making processes at the local level, anf how to use them. In addition, it was found, that there is a correlation: the higher is a level of inhabitants knowledge how to access information about services for which local authorities are responsible, a higher is a level of inhabitants satisfaction by their participation in the decision-making processes at local level. A potential threat after the completion of international projects may be a step back from the changes, that have been implemented in communities. This situation can be prevented by creating a special department in local town or village council responsible for implementing changes in community or reviewing the functions of existing departments, reforming them to monitor, analyze, collect data and create conditions for coordination of development directions and implementation a good governance practices in community. ; 2 ; 133 ; 144 ; Przegląd Politologiczny

This article is an overview of local government reform processes in Ukraine. We focus on two key issues - the current state of decentralization and the problems of its further implementation. It is necessary to ensure a decentralization process that includes legislation, organization and society at the same time. We paid special attention to the process of creation of amalgamated territorial communities and highlighted its advantages and future risks. We also analysed such issues as local budget revenue in the context of decentralization of financial resources, problems of creating the financial base of local communities. Finally, the regional features of the association of territorial communities and problems with shaping the basic level of local self-government in Ukraine were analysed. ; Artykuł dotyczy procesów reformy samorządu lokalnego. Bada się obecny stan i problemy decentralizacji na Ukrainie. Niezbędne jest zapewnienie procesu decentralizacji, który obejmuje legislację, organizację i społeczeństwo. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na tworzenie zjednoczonych wspólnot terytorialnych oraz podkreślono zalety i ryzyko lokalnej decentralizacji. Omówiono analizę dochodów budżetu lokalnego w warunkach decentralizacji zasobów finansowych, problemy tworzenia bazy finansowej społeczności lokalnych. Przeanalizowano regionalne cechy stowarzyszenia wspólnot terytorialnych oraz problemy z kształtowaniem podstawowego poziomu samorządu lokalnego na Ukrainie. ; В статье рассматриваются процессы реформирования местного самоуправления. Изучается современное состояние и проблемы децентрализации в Украине. Необходимо обеспечить процесс децентрализации, который включает в себя законодательство, организацию и общество. Особое внимание было уделено созданию способных территориальных сообществ, а также были подчеркнуты преимущества и риски децентрализации. Проведен анализ доходов местного бюджета в условиях децентрализации финансовых ресурсов, обсуждены проблемы создания финансовой базы местных сообществ. Проанализированы региональные особенности объединения территориальных сообществ и проблемы формирования базового уровня местного самоуправления в Украине.

The last elections in Poland have substantially changed the political discourse. The new government has started to implement numerous reforms. Many of them aroused great controversy, including the one introducing changes in the local government system. This discussion can be considered as an invitation to broader considerations on the future of local government in Poland. It contains statements of six sociologists who are professionally interested in local government issues. They were inspired by three questions (asked by the editors of the text) about: (i) the possible outcome of the reform of the territorial self-government (ii) the functioning of the territorial self-government (iii) the evaluation of the discussion on the announced changes. The answers to these questions were based on the research knowledge and research experiences of the respondents and are therefore more science-based that general opinions typical for a public discussion which often manifest the worldview (or political attitudes) of the debating parties. ; Ostatnie wybory w Polsce mocno zmieniły sytuację polityczną. Nowe władze przystąpiły do realizacji licznych reform. Wiele z nich wzbudziło duże kontrowersje. Dotyczy to także zapowiedzi związanych ze zmianami w systemie samorządu terytorialnego. Artykuł można potraktować jako zaproszenie do dyskusji na temat przyszłości samorządności terytorialnej w Polsce. Zawiera wypowiedzi sześciu socjologów zajmujących się problematyką samorządową. Były one inspirowane trzema pytaniami, które dotyczyły: (1) bilansu polskiej reformy samorządowej, (2) problemów funkcjonowania samorządów, (3) oceny przebiegu dyskusji poświęconej zapowiedzianym zmianom. Wypowiedzi (odpowiedzi na pytania) opierają się na kompetencjach badaczy i ich doświadczeniu badawczym, są zatem w większym stopniu odwzorowaniem wiedzy naukowej i doświadczeń badawczych niż opinii, czy światopoglądu, które właściwe są dyskursowi publicznemu.

Jednym z największych osiągnięć procesu transformacji społeczno-politycznej w Polsce jest szeroka decentralizacja sfery władztwa publicznego. Obowiązująca obecnie ustawa o samorządzie gminnym doprowadziła do restytucji zjawiska władzy lokalnej w Polsce, a zarazem stanowiła pierwszy krok do dalszych reform samorządowych zwieńczonych ustanowieniem samorządu powiatowego i wojewódzkiego. Z dniem 1 stycznia 1999 r. wprowadzono zasadniczy trójstopniowy podział terytorialny państwa, którego jednostkami stały się gminy, powiaty i szczególnie nas interesujące województwa. Reforma samorządowa obejmując swoim zasięgiem województwa spowodowała, że nastąpiła istotna zmiana jakościowa, bowiem województwa - regiony uzyskały podmiotowość co usytuowało je na płaszczyźnie partnerskich relacji w stosunku do władz centralnych. Piętnaście lat funkcjonowania samorządu regionalnego w Polsce skłania do refleksji dotyczącej efektywności podjętych wówczas działań i kierunków dalszego rozwoju samorządu na poziomie województwa. Jest to niezwykle istotne, bowiem w demokratycznym, zdecentralizowanym państwie to właśnie samorządowy region odgrywa coraz większą rolę w promowaniu, stymulowaniu i finansowaniu ze środków publicznych inicjatyw służących rozwojowi społeczno-gospodarczemu. Od sprawnej realizacji tych zadań, a także zmiany zasad generowania przychodów budżetowych samorządu, zależy w głównej mierze przyszłe funkcjonowanie województw i to czy będą one mieć wystarczające środki na realizację programów rozwoju regionalnego. ; One of the greatest achievements of the socio-political transformation process in Poland is the extensive decentralization of public authorities. The current law on municipal government has brought about the restoration of the phenomenon of local governance in Poland, thus becoming the beginning of further local government reform, topped with the establishment of district and regional government. January 1, 1999 marks the introduction of the principal three-tier territorial division of the state, organized from then on into municipalities, counties and regions, the latter being of particular interest to us here. The reform of local government encompassed the regions, resulting in a significant qualitative change, as regions were granted the status of separate entities, thus becoming partners in relations with the centralauthorities. The fifteen years of regional government in Poland calls for reflections on the efficiency of the steps taken then, and the directions of further advancement of local government at a regional level. This issue is of utmost importance, since in a democratic, decentralized state, locally governed regions play an increasingly significant role in promoting, stimulating and providing public financing for initiatives serving socio-economic development. Effective fulfillment of these tasks, coupled with changing principles of how to generate the budget revenue of local governments, lies among the main conditions for the future operations of the regions, and ensuring appropriate means to implement regional development projects.

Considerations on political systems on a regional and local level are tightly connected with decentralization processes of political systems. Contemporary state structures have become dysfunctional in many cases in relation to developmental challenges of societies. After the period of excessive centralization, finished with a deep crisis, strong and deep decentralization processes, the result of which was giving a harmonious power division back happened several dozen years ago. A well‑known division of political systems according to system (constitutional) criteria that was formed years ago and took into account above all the relationship between a legislative power, the government and the head of state, that is, between the legislative and the executive level can be extended by a classification of political systems on a regional and local level nowadays. The main criterion of typology can be the relations (competence scope) between central (general) and regional as well as local authorities. The proposed division of system forms of democratic countries would be the following: 1. Unitary countries with a self‑government system, 2. Unitary countries with a territory autonomy and self‑government, 3. Federal countries with a self‑government system, and 4. Federal countries with a territory autonomy and self‑government.

Abstract: The paper focuses on the possibility of so-called landisation of Poland. Poland ratified The European Charter of Local Self-Government. The Charter provides that the principle of local self-government shall be recognised in domestic legislation and, where practicable, in the constitution.The Constitution of the Republic of Poland includes regulations regarding the local self-government. The basic powers and responsibilities of local authorities are prescribed in domestic law. Poland shall be a unitary State. The territorial system of Poland shall ensure the decentralization of public power. The decentralization is not identical with the federalisation. Streszczenie: W artykule zostały przeanalizowane kwestie związane z możliwością doprowadzenia do tzw. landyzacji Polski, rozumianej jako proces przekształcenia Polski w państwo federalne. Rzeczpospolita Polska jest państwem jednolitym. Ustrój terytorialny Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej zapewnia decentralizację władzy publicznej, której nie należy postrzegać jako możliwość wprowadzenia ustroju federalnego. Obowiązujące w Polsce przepisy dotyczące samorządu terytorialnego są w pełni zgodne z Europejską Kartą Samorządu Lokalnego. Nie jest możliwe skuteczne domaganie się zmian ustrojowych w Polsce w oparciu o regulacje zawarte w Europejskiej Karcie Samorządu Lokalnego. ; adwokat Piotr Sobanski Zielona Gora piotr.sobanski@adwokatura.pl

W artykule zostały przeanalizowane kwestie związane z możliwością doprowadzenia do tzw. landyzacji Polski, rozumianej jako proces przekształcenia Polski w państwo federalne. Rzeczpospolita Polska jest państwem jednolitym. Ustrój terytorialny Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej zapewnia decentralizację władzy publicznej, której nie należy postrzegać jako możliwość wprowadzenia ustroju federalnego. Obowiązujące w Polsce przepisy dotyczące samorządu terytorialnego są w pełni zgodne z Europejską Kartą Samorządu Lokalnego. Nie jest możliwe skuteczne domaganie się zmian ustrojowych w Polsce w oparciu o regulacje zawarte w Europejskiej Karcie Samorządu Lokalnego. The paper focuses on the possibility of so-called landisation of Poland. Poland ratified The European Charter of Local Self-Government. The Charter provides that the principle of local self-government shall be recognised in domestic legislation and, where practicable, in the constitution.The Constitution of the Republic of Poland includes regulations regarding the local self-government. The basic powers and responsibilities of local authorities are prescribed in domestic law. Poland shall be a unitary State. The territorial system of Poland shall ensure the decentralization of public power. The decentralization is not identical with the federalisation.

This paper presents the significance of the issues related to the activity of territorial self-government for the social and economic development of Ukraine. The efficient operation of self-government in any country is unfeasible without financial resources. Polish experience in the development of territorial self-government is particularly valuable in relation to the reform of Ukraine's self-government. The paper outlines the differences in the structure and operation of territorial self-government in both countries. The paper is concluded with numerous observations on the direction of selected reforms of Ukrainian self-government. It shows the weaknesses of local self-government in Ukraine, which result from the lack of decentralization of finance and the small amount of state-collected taxes. The conclusions end with the observation that a consistent development of the Ukrainian state is required for Poland to develop well. ; This paper presents the significance of the issues related to the activity of territorial self-government for the social and economic development of Ukraine. The efficient operation of self-government in any country is unfeasible without financial resources. Polish experience in the development of territorial self-government is particularly valuable in relation to the reform of Ukraine's self-government. The paper outlines the differences in the structure and operation of territorial self-government in both countries. The paper is concluded with numerous observations on the direction of selected reforms of Ukrainian self-government. It shows the weaknesses of local self-government in Ukraine, which result from the lack of decentralization of finance and the small amount of state-collected taxes. The conclusions end with the observation that a consistent development of the Ukrainian state is required for Poland to develop well.

The reconstruction of public administration is one of the most important structural tasks. Decentralization through Self- government is the most advanced form of the enforcement of public administration. However, it is not a sufficient reorganization undertaking. For decentralization to be efficiently implemented, certain general conditions should be met. One of them is a deep reconstruction of t he central government administration, which in its present form is not correlated with a new political structure of the State, its new tasks and with a new position of Government (as set forth in the Constitutional Act of 17 October 1992). Besides, there exists a need to provide for a smooth course of, and correlation between, the making of politics by the Government and the functioning of the administrative apparatus. In such a context, a new conception of creating districts (powiaty) as a new unit of territorial division and self-governmental authority seems premature. It needs to be added that the position of a district in the draft Law is not unequivocal. In particular, it is not clear to what extent the district bodies are to represent the district community, and to what extent they will only be the executors of certain tasks set forth in the Law. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016

This paper presents the significance of the issues related to the activity of territorial self-government for the social and economic development of Ukraine. The efficient operation of self-government in any country is unfeasible without financial resources. Polish experience in the development of territorial self-government is particularly valuable in relation to the reform of Ukraine's self-government. The paper outlines the differences in the structure and operation of territorial self-government in both countries. The paper is concluded with numerous observations on the direction of selected reforms of Ukrainian self-government. It shows the weaknesses of local self-government in Ukraine, which result from the lack of decentralization of finance and the small amount of state-collected taxes. The conclusions end with the observation that a consistent development of the Ukrainian state is required for Poland to develop well.

Polish territorial self-government has been reactivated 40 years after its abolishment in 1950. During the past period, the powers of self-government were taken over by lrcal organs of central state administration. Subsequently, the latter organs were subject to decentralization. However, due to political reasons this process could not have achieved its objectives. The change of the political system in 1990 could bring self-government back to life. Nevertheless, its formation meets many obstacles. A strong need is felt to work out a new model of self-government, adequate to a considerable increase in social and economic functions of a modern state. The scope of the self-government activity is nowadays much larger than in the past and thus it is no longer possible to reactivate the traditional system of self-government whose activity could be financed from its own revenues. Besides, it is equally difficult to make a self-government system in the Polish socio-economic conditions similar to the one operating in modern West Europen countries, with its wide scope of activity and powers. A particular difficulty arises from the fact that the Polish self-government model must take into account a critical state of economy and budget during the process of implementing the economic reforms. In effect, the Polish self-government system of today retains some elements of mechanisms functioning during the decentralization of central state administration, especially the mechanism of adjusting subsidies for local organs~to the scope of their tasks. Difficulties in balancing the central budget make it impossible for self-government to carry out its functions. Moreover, it turns out that it is far from easy to subsidize the self-government activity without limiting its independence. In such conditions there exists the danger of weakening the position of self- -government and obliterating the differences between self-government and central state administration. The democratic procedure of electing the self-government organs cannot alone be considered sufficient for the realization of aspirations of the local population to decide independently about the satisfaction of its own needs. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016

Territorial self-government is one of the fundamental institutions of a modern democratic state of law. There are numerous European traditions of self-government that have produced different concepts and, consequently, different theories of territorial self-government. The most important ones include the naturalist, state, and political theories. Each of them shows a different picture of the origin, essence and the scope of legal personality a territorial self-government has, of local communities, the position of the administrative unit of the commune and higher units. Depending on the concept one chooses, political and organizational solutions are differentiated, as are the tasks of territorial self-government units, the competences of its organs and the authority of state organs to exercise control and supervision. On the basis of the solutions adopted in every country, and at a given level of development of the state, the degree of decentralization of power, the degree of autonomy, self-reliance and independence of territorial self-government is determined.