ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to analyse the state of local and regional democracy in the Lubusz voivodeship in western Poland and its three cities: Gorzów Wielkopolski, Nowa Sól and Zielona Góra between 2010 and 2023. It examines key components of the democratic regime, including cyclical and competitive elections, performance of independent media (also at the local level), role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social movements representing diverse groups. It also considers forms of participatory democracy such as public consultations, participatory budgeting programmes and civic initiatives. The analysis of empirical data, including interviews with local leaders and experts, reveals several factors shaping the quality of democracy. From 2015 onwards, democratic standards clearly deteriorated, with the central government limiting local autonomy through discretionary funding, enhanced oversight by provincial governors and politicisation of regional media. Simultaneously, local dynamics such as long-term incumbency, clientelistic networks and weak democratic culture further undermined democratic practices. Although formal mechanisms like elections remained in place, genuine competition and accountability were often lacking.
