Two-Term Limits in Local Government – a Guarantee of Freshness or a Threat to Continuity?

During the Local Government Forum in Zakopane, a panel discussion titled “Two-term limits in local government – a guarantee of freshness or a threat to continuity?” took place. The panel featured: Kazimierz Barczyk – Councillor of the Małopolska Regional Assembly (as moderator), Damian Sławski – Mayor of the Miedziana Góra Commune, Robert Sitnik – Deputy Voivode of the Mazowieckie Region, Ryszard Śmiałek – Second Deputy Voivode of the Małopolska Region, Piotr Pasieczny – Mayor of the Tarnawatka Commune, Bogusław Sonik – Chairman of the Maj 77 Association. The event was held under the patronage of the Association of Municipalities and Counties of Małopolska.

Moderator Kazimierz Barczyk opened the discussion with the thesis that two terms are decidedly too little to implement serious, long-term changes in a municipality or county. “Large investments, development strategies – all of this requires continuity,” he emphasized.

Piotr Pasieczny, a long-serving mayor, firmly defended the abolition of term limits. “We have truly achieved a civilizational leap thanks to local governments. I have had direct contact with residents for decades. Two terms are too short to stabilize community needs. Even if the legal limit is removed, I will step down anyway – I have given so much of myself at the expense of my family that in my later years I want to devote time to my loved ones. But let’s not take this opportunity away from others who still have the strength and vision,” he said with visible emotion.

Robert Sitnik presented the opposite view: “A mayor, after several terms, has a dominant, sometimes monopolistic position – it is very difficult for new leaders to break through. After 10–15 years, motivation drops, people burn out. A new leader brings more energy and fresh ideas. Surveys clearly show that Poles want to keep the two-term limit.”

Ryszard Śmiałek considered term limits unconstitutional and a continuation of a “command-and-distribute state.” “Anyone who governs well can sleep peacefully – residents will elect them. If they see something unfavorable, they will vote and change it. It is the citizen, not the law, who should decide. Besides, the current 5-year term is already too long,” he argued, emphasizing respect for every local and national office.

Damian Sławski, representing the younger generation, stated that breaking through as a new leader is entirely possible: “You just need determination, a good program, and a real plan for your community. The essence of democracy is that residents can make a change at any time. The electoral mechanism works, but it must continue to be strengthened. We are wary of concentrated power – that is why term limits should also apply in the Sejm and Senate. We fight so that residents, not parties, have the final say.”

Bogusław Sonik was the most critical of current practices: “Two-term limits in local government will not bring a revolution, because after two terms, a mayor is usually elected to another important position in the county or region anyway. The municipal bulletin is most often pure propaganda. And the brilliant, almost 100% support of MPs from the current coalition for term limits stems from a simple fear – they are afraid of new, ambitious individuals who could become strong competitors at a higher level.” He also supported introducing term limits in parliament.