Vawkielewicz writes to Nawrocki

Open letter to the president of the Republic of Poland

On the introduction of direct democracy in municipalities

Dear Mr President,

I welcome your declaration of support for direct democracy expressed in the electoral campaign. I believe that this was not just a rhetorical figure, but the announcement of real action to reconstruct the civilian impact on public affairs. That is why I call on you, not on symbolic support, but on concrete legislative work to enable the applicable implementation of direct democracy at the lowest level of governance — in municipalities.

Democracy doesn't start in the capital. It starts where citizens live: in the municipality, in the district, in the settlement. It is there that decisions are made that form everyday life — and that is where the voice of the inhabitants should be present, not only erstwhile all 4 years, but continuously and realistically.

I present proposals for changes that form the foundation of the modern civic community:

1. Collaborative executive power

Instead of a one-man mayor — the Municipal Board elected straight by residents. Decisions taken collegiately by means of resolutions. The mayor as coordinator, not as leader. It's more transparency, little hazard of arbitrariness, more opposition to lobbying.

2. Mandatory vote on citizens' draft resolutions

The municipal council cannot ignore citizens' initiatives. If residents submit a draft resolution or change of statutes, the council must consider it. In case of rejection, the task goes to a referendum. The consequence of the referendum is binding. The initiative committee shall have the right to be represented in the work of the council.

3. Right of citizens to reject a municipal council resolution

Citizens should be able to block a resolution adopted by the Municipal Council if they consider it harmful or incompatible with the interests of the community. adequate signatures should trigger a rejection referendum. It is simply a natural addition to the legislative initiative: not only the right to propose but besides to block.

4. Local referendum as an integral part of the Municipal Government Act

Instead of a separate bill, clear referendal rules in the municipal law. Simple, transparent, effective. The consequence of the binding referendum if the majority of the voters vote for the option.

5. Protecting citizens' decisions against government interference

The voivode must not repeal a resolution adopted as a consequence of a referendum or a citizens' legislative initiative unless it violates the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. It is simply a warrant that the voice of citizens will not be ignored by the central authority.

All the changes described can be made by a simple law — passed by a majority of the Sejm. They do not require changes to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. This means that the implementation of direct democracy at the level of the municipality is not only essential but besides possible within the existing legal order. Just political will and a small legislative courage.

Mr. President, these changes are not utopia. They're doable. Switzerland has been utilizing them for decades — with success. In cantons specified as Zurich, Basel or Vaud, citizens have a real impact on local decisions, and collegiate executive teams are standard. The local referendum is treated as the highest form of decision, and citizens' initiatives are not only possible but effective.

The President's office has a squad of experts, advisers and lawyers. Let them be launched to draw up a bill that will give the municipality back to citizens. I declare my readiness to advise and consult, but I do not undertake to draw up the full legislative text on my own. It is simply a task for a state institution that declares its willingness to rebuild democracy.

I believe that Poland can go the way of civilian democracy. I believe that you, as president of the Republic, can be the initiator of this change. Let direct democracy truly begin — from the bottom, from the community, from the people.

With respect,

Marian Waskielewicz Zabrze, September 2025

Civic educator, journalist, author of the bill on local democracy