Sustainable development, philosophy, critical theory, democratization, autonomy, decentralization

The article aims to determine the impact of sustainable development on the self-reliance of local self-government in Poland. A thorough analysis of the historiographic evolution and philosophical foundations of sustainability, together with a review of its legal sources, indicates that sustainable development – implemented through the concept of governance – conflicts with the foundational values of Latin civilization and exerts a negative influence on local self-government in Poland. The article argues that the development of the decentralisation of public authority, which is highly desirable from the perspective of democratisation, is being inhibited, and that the financial autonomy of local government is not being expanded.

ZAWADZKA-PĄK, URSZULA KINGA