Rada Społeczno-Gospodarcza przy Sejmie Polskiej Rzeczypospolitej Ludowej (1982-1985)

Abstract

In the course of discussion on the economic reform, in the early 80s, opinions were heard postulating creation of a consultative organ attached to the Seym. On 26 March 1982 Seym passed a resolution to establish the Social Economic Council attached to the seym of the Polish People’s Republic. Establishing the Council as a consultative and advisory body is an institutional development of the idea of public consultation, included in art. 86 of the Constitution of the Polish People’s Republic. The Council is composed of not more than 150 members, appointed by the Seym from among persons who are not members of parliament. Its internal organs are: the Chairman, the Presiding Board and standing committees. The Chairman is also a member of parliament, where he is a member of the Senior Convention. The work of the Council is conducted by the Presiding Board and its Chairman. The standing committees are internal temporary organs occasionally appointed to consider draft opinions. The Social Economic Council considers matters committed for opinion by the Seym, its Presiding Board or Seym committees. The Council may also take up actions on its own initiative but in practice it rarely does so. The Presiding Board of the Seym coordinates actions of the Council and the committees, and determines the procedure and terms of considering particular matters by the Council. The activity of the Council substantially contributes to the legislative process. The Social Economic Council, established in 1982, is to act on the at present binding rules until the end of the present term of the Seym, i.e. to 31 August 1985. When evaluating the effects of its activity, it should be hoped that the future Seyms will also accept assistance of that organ.