A cohesive society (solidarne społeczeństwo) is one where citizens (obywatele) have a high degree of confidence (zaufanie) in their governmental institutions (instytucje rządowe) and public administration (administracja publiczna). In Poland, 56% of people say they trust their political institutions. High voter turnout is another measure of public trust in government and of citizens’ participation in the political process. In the most recent elections for which data is available, voter turnout in Poland was 54% of those registered.
The right to vote is the same for everyone. While on average there are few differences between men and women concerning participation in elections, income can have a strong influence on voter turnout. In Poland, voter turnout for the top 20% of the population is close to 60%, whereas the participation rate of the bottom 20% is 47%.
Ensuring that government decision making is not compromised by conflicts of interest is key to maintaining trust in government. Transparency is therefore essential to hold government to account and to maintain confidence in public institutions.
Freedom of information laws (FOI) allow the possibility for individuals to access undisclosed information. For such policies to be successful, the public should have a clear understanding of their rights under the law, should be able to file requests with ease and should be protected against any possible retaliation. People in Poland can file a request for information either in writing or in person, but not yet online or by telephone. In addition, there are no provisions for anonymity or protection from retaliation.
Poland is committed to strengthening civil society and citizen involvement in decision-making (zaangażowania obywateli w podejmowaniu decyzji), and one of its key objectives is to open its public administration to external experience and public debate.
At local level, the Polish authorities are studying the extent and operation of lobbying so that they can promote decent lobbying standards, make the decision-making process more open and improve efficiency of systems for consultation and co-operation with social partners in developing and implementing public policy and regulations.
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
