Polish Poll: Doubts Linger Over Depoliticizing Company Boards

A recent IBRiS poll conducted for Rzeczpospolita reveals mixed public opinion in Poland regarding the depoliticization of supervisory boards in municipal companies. While 49% of respondents agree that replacing politicians with officials will resolve control issues, a significant 30% hold the opposite view. Notably, a substantial 21% remain undecided, indicating a lack of public engagement or understanding of the issue.

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The fact that as many as 21% of respondents have no opinion on the appointment of politicians to supervisory boards shows that the topic is not well understood or is poorly present in public debate for a significant part of society.

The survey highlights a divide across the political spectrum, with voters for both the ruling coalition and the opposition largely agreeing on the need for change. However, skepticism is highest among non-voters and the undecided, with 38% having no opinion. This suggests that the complexities of corporate governance in local government are not widely grasped by the general populace.

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The key is competence, not just the status of the person. An official, like a politician, may not have the appropriate experience. Effective supervision requires knowledge and practice.

Warsaw City Council Vice-Chairman Sławomir Potapowicz commented that the high number of undecided respondents reflects the topic's distance from citizens' daily lives. He emphasized that simply substituting politicians with "independent officials" is insufficient. Potapowicz argued that competence and practical experience are crucial for effective oversight, and even officials can face political pressure. He concluded that the core problem lies in the quality of institutions and procedures, rather than solely the political or official status of board members.

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Formal independence does not always mean real autonomy. It is therefore not surprising that the results of the presented survey are not unambiguous.