Uwarunkowania prawne w zakresie zastępstwa Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej

Abstract

One of the fundamental rules in every contemporary democratic country, is maintaining continuity of the constitutional functioning of the key organs of state. Regulations enacted under the Polish Constitution of 1977, recognizes this rule and provides for it. In 1989, the presidential office was restored in Poland and its incumbent became the head of state. However, in the Polish political system there is no tradition of appointing a deputy-president. That is why it is necessary to regulate the issue of a replacement should the elected president become unable to fulfill the duties of office. In such event it is the Speaker of the Sejm who takes over the presidential duties. In extraordinary circumstances, this mechanism guarantees continuity in the functioning of the office of the Polish head of state.