A () is a head of a elected by its permanent citizens in a village meeting (). According to data from 2010, Poland had 40 thousand sołtys, 30.7% of which were women.

Role and powers

Since 1990, a is an executive of a that is supported by a sołectwo council. The detailed powers, duties and responsibilities of the are decided in the statute made by the gmina council. The can use the legal protection of a civil servant in his favour.

Duties

A has the duty to:

• Represent the

• Organise village meetings

• Introduce laws made by the gmina to the

• Collect taxes

• Participate in gmina council meetings

History

The office of the was introduced during the Partitions of Poland. It varied among countries. In Congress Poland, a was an executive branch of a . They were supposed to guard order in the city. In Congress Poland, a gmina was made up of a few . In the Grand Duchy of Posen a usually served the role of a village owner.

In 1934, were introduced once again to Poland, which mainly held control over business relating to the people.

In the Polish People's Republic, the role of a was replaced from 1954 to 1958 with a different position, though it was quickly changed to . A was the executive of a village government which, until 1973, ruled a . From 1973 a governed a .

See also

• Schultheiß

• Wójt

• Wąchock jokes

References