More and more local government representatives in Poland are speaking openly about the need for changes to the law that will protect municipalities and cities from the deepening crisis. Local government is closest to citizens, yet politicians in Warsaw are increasingly interfering in its operation.
– We want to restore normality in the Sejm and show that the voice of local government is being heard. We are open to cooperation with local government communities – said Cezary Przybylski, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and one of the leaders of the Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives movement. Robert Raczyński echoed him: – We must make it easier for citizens to stand for election to parliament – he said.
Local government representatives associated with the federation of Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives have begun appearing in polls for the Sejm. Success achieved through activities in individual regions, including Lower Silesia, has led the group to reach 2.3% support nationwide.
– We are capable of crossing the five-percent electoral threshold; polls indicate a possible result of 6–8% – said Krzysztof Maj, spokesperson for the Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives federation.
The voice of local government in the Sejm
What would they focus on in the Sejm? Changing laws that support local government representatives and making it easier for citizens to stand for election to parliament.
– We propose introducing three changes that will benefit local government and ensure that the voice of local politicians is heard on Wiejska Street. We want transparency, local self-government and greater civic participation in electoral law – said Tymoteusz Myrda, one of the Nonpartisan representatives’ leaders.
– We say “Yes” to the presence of local government representatives in parliament. As local government representatives, we are closest to residents and represent their voice in discussions, while implementing the investments most needed by residents and carrying out these tasks very well. We confirmed this by coordinating activities during the pandemic, when very serious responsibilities fell to local governments. Competent local government representatives should have a place in parliament, and we will campaign loudly for this – said Małgorzata Matusiak, Head of the Trzebnica County District.
What would these changes involve? The Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives propose, among other things, making it easier to register electoral committees, allowing candidates to be endorsed by a digital signature, and allowing people holding executive positions in local government to serve as members of the Sejm or senators.
We invite all local government representatives
Robert Raczyński, mayor of Lubin and leader of the Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives, also spoke at the conference: – We invite all local government representatives to run with us – he said. – Other groups bringing together local government representatives have decided to run in the elections with the Civic Coalition, while we invite all local government representatives to run under a single banner, unaffiliated with any political party – Raczyński said.
The Nonpartisan Local Government Representatives are a group that received 5.3 percent support nationwide in the 2018 local elections. They now want to achieve this result in elections to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.