Decentralization Is Our Only Shield Against Centralized Blunders

Speaking at the 2026 Perły Samorządu Congress, former Agriculture Minister Jacek Janiszewski argued that local governance remains the most effective safeguard against systemic errors, even as the Polish model requires modern adjustments.

The Foundation of Civic Governance

Empowering citizens served as a cornerstone of Poland’s transition. Jacek Janiszewski, initiator of the Welconomy Forum in Toruń, noted that while the goals of the 1990s focused on state-building, contemporary politics often prioritizes maneuvering over genuine reform.

The establishment of county and regional self-governments was intended as a conscious transfer of power to citizens. This structure aimed to move away from the hyper-centralization that characterized previous eras, fostering stronger local communities.

Decentralization as a Systemic Safeguard

Janiszewski argues that distributing competencies among thousands of municipalities minimizes systemic risk. If individual errors occur within one of the 2,700 municipalities, the state remains intact; conversely, central power concentration allows top-level errors to paralyze the entire country.

Despite this success, some 1990s mechanisms require reevaluation. Referendum tools, for example, can be manipulated by organized groups to destabilize local management. Reform is not about abandoning civic participation, but adapting democratic tools to today’s realities.

People Over Institutions

Building local resilience depends on identifying and scaling best practices. Rather than focusing solely on institutions, success relies on specific individuals: social leaders, teachers, NGO activists, and local clergy who drive community life.

Women often serve as the primary catalysts for social cohesion, particularly in smaller towns. Their high engagement in rural housewives’ associations and informal groups is essential, as they frequently create the networks necessary for effective crisis response.

Bridging the Rural-Urban Gap

Rural areas continue to face greater challenges regarding social exclusion and addiction support. Strengthening community bonds remains vital, as true local resilience is defined not by regulations or offices, but by individuals willing to act on behalf of others.