ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the state of local and regional democracy in the Lublin voivodeship in Poland and some selected cities from 2010 to 2023. The assessment reveals a generally positive outlook, yet persistent democratic deficits intensified after 2015. In electoral and liberal democracy, elections, though largely free, exhibited unequal competition favouring established parties and incumbents. Media pluralism saw declining quality and independence due to state-affiliated acquisitions and local entrepreneurs' influence. Executive dominance increasingly weakened city councils and political opposition despite legislative reforms. Regarding participatory and deliberative democracy, mechanisms like participatory budgeting and public consultations were developed but inconsistently applied. Tools such as referenda and citizens' panels were rarely utilised, often instrumentalised or their outcomes were disregarded, leading to declining public engagement. National-level dynamics, particularly re-centralisation and partisan financial resource allocation by the post-2015 Law and Justice (PiS) government, disproportionately benefited politically aligned municipalities. Concurrently, local factors, including weak councils, concentrated executive power and elite resistance to citizen participation, also contributed to democratic weaknesses. While local governments acted as a democratic safeguard, mounting central pressure after 2015 underscored the need to strengthen their autonomy. Many challenges stemmed from an interplay of local and national dynamics, hindering democratic consolidation.
