On Local Self-Government, Democracy, and the Future of the State - WSB University at a Debate with President Aleksander Kwaśniewski

On 18 June 2026, the 3rd Debate on the Constitution of the Republic of Poland was held at the Palace of Culture of the Zagłębie Region in Dąbrowa Górnicza under the title “How Much Local Self-Government, How Much Centralisation? Does the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 1997 Require Amendments?” The event was attended by former President of the Republic of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski, as well as distinguished representatives of academia, politics, and local government. The discussion focused on the relationship between central administration and local governments, as well as the challenges facing the modern state and local communities.

WSB University was represented at the event by members of the University authorities, staff, the Student Government, and students. Participation in the debate provided an opportunity to listen to expert opinions and actively engage in discussions concerning the future of local self-government, local democracy, and potential directions for constitutional and systemic reforms in Poland.

The panel of speakers included, among others, Aleksander Kwaśniewski - President of the Republic of Poland from 1995 to 2005 and Chair of the Constitutional Committee of the National Assembly, Prof. Jerzy Hausner, Jerzy Stępień, and Prof. Jacek Majchrowski.

WSB University’s participation in the debate reflects the idea of modern higher education, in which fostering civic awareness and developing social and public competencies constitute important elements of the educational process.