Poland local government: Clarification on councillor roles and independence

A recent commentary addresses common misconceptions regarding the relationship between local councillors and executive officials such as mayors, presidents, or heads of communes (wójt) in Poland.

The text emphasizes that councillors are not employees of the executive branch. They are not hired by, nor subject to the direct authority of, mayors or starosts. Instead, the local council serves to create local law and exercise oversight over the executive's activities, representing a fundamental separation of powers within local government.

Furthermore, the commentary clarifies that councillors receive a diet (dieta) rather than a salary from the executive. This allowance is paid from public funds according to legal regulations and council resolutions, rather than being a discretionary payment or reward controlled by the head of the local administration.