Development of a multilevel system in Poland demonstrated by the example of relations between regional and local self-government

Abstract

The article investigates the formation of a multilevel system in Poland as reported by heads of regional boards governing in the period 1998–2014. Assuming that a modern democratic state (a standard of which is the existence of regional self-government) requires some cooperation among levels that between the central and regional is traditionally recognised as crucial. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating whether a partnership develops between regional and local levels, and what is its form. According to the heads of regional boards, two forms of coordination are critical: first, the formation of a congruent coalition at district level to that in a particular region, and second, close cooperation with cities which had the status of regional capitals.