In the public debate surrounding the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of Poland, discussion too often focuses on symbolic and ideological issues or on short-term political disputes. Yet the fundamental question facing contemporary constitutional thought is whether the current Constitution provides a framework for building an effective state – one capable of responding successfully to rapidly evolving domestic and international challenges.

Rzeczpospolita has published an article by Professor Krzysztof Koźmiński, Managing Partner at Jabłoński Koźmiński & Partners and Professor at the University of Warsaw, entitled “The Idea of an Effective State and the Constitution of the Republic of Poland”. The article brings together the conclusions of a year-long expert seminar organised by one of Poland’s leading think tanks, the Sobieski Institute.

• The author argues that the focus of the debate should shift away from secondary issues towards a pragmatic assessment of the structures of the state. Above all, the Constitution should serve as an instrument enabling the country to be governed effectively.
• A good constitution does not need to be an ideological monument. It should provide a broad, durable yet flexible institutional framework capable of adapting to a changing geopolitical and economic environment.
• The analysis examines whether the current constitutional model is capable of supporting effective, long-term foreign and domestic policy in an era of persistent uncertainty.

We invite you to read the full article.