Sołtys
Executive branch of a sołectwo
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Role and powers
Since 1990, a sołtys is an executive of a sołectwo that is supported by a sołectwo council. The detailed powers, duties and responsibilities of the sołtys are decided in the statute made by the gmina council. The sołtys can use the legal protection of a civil servant in his favour.[2]
Duties
A sołtys has the duty to:
- Represent the sołectwo
- Organise village meetings
- Introduce laws made by the gmina to the sołectwo
- Collect taxes
- Participate in gmina council meetings
History
The office of the sołtys was introduced during the Partitions of Poland. It varied among countries. In Congress Poland, a sołtys was an executive branch of a gromada. They were supposed to guard order in the city. In Congress Poland, a gmina was made up of a few gromadas. In the Grand Duchy of Posen a sołtys usually served the role of a village owner.[3]
In 1934, sołectwa were introduced once again to Poland, which mainly held control over business relating to the people.[3]
In the Polish People's Republic, the role of a sołtys was replaced from 1954 to 1958 with a different position, though it was quickly changed to sołtys.[4] A sołtys was the executive of a village government which, until 1973, ruled a gromada. From 1973 a sołtys governed a sołectwo.