On the regime of self-government of the Capital City of Warsaw

Abstract

The evolution of the regime of the Capital City was very specific because its original regime differed from that of a typical unit of local  self-government. Initially, Warsaw was an association of independent districts-municipalities, which – in order to improve the decision-making processes and exercise of competences – were eventually transformed into a municipal association of one large municipality (gmina) Warszawa-Centrum and 10 smaller municipalities. Subsequent changes included liquidation of the municipalities and creation of districts. The changes in the executive bodies led to another change, this time from a collegiate to a monocratic system of executive power. The most crucial change though, was the decision that a mayor be elected in direct elections. Currently, the regime in Warsaw is similar to the regime of such cities as Berlin or Paris.