ETERNAL PRESIDENTS. TWO CASES FROM THE TRICITY - MACIEJ DRZONEK

Maciej Drzonek's book is a fascinating analysis of the longevity of city presidents, focusing on the Tricity area. It is not only dry election data, but above all a deep study of local politics, enriched with unique interviews with participants in the events. Learn about the mechanisms of power, the challenges and compromises faced by people managing large urban agglomerations. Discover how local autonomy is built and what relationships connect local politics with the national political scene.

• In-depth analysis of the local politics of the Tricity.
• Interviews with key actors of the last two decades.
• Understanding the mechanisms of power at the local level.
• Unique perspective on the challenges of managing a large city.
• Assessment of relationships between local and national politics.
• Fascinating stories from Gdańsk and Gdynia.
• Analysis of official election results in the context of interviews.

In his book, Maciej Drzonek confronts analyses of official election results, voting results and support for parties with a deepened picture obtained through interviews with participants in the events themselves. Stories about Gdańsk, Gdynia and the most important political actors of the last two decades are extremely fascinating. They allow you to understand what local power is and what conditions and restrictions people managing a city with a quarter to half a million inhabitants face.

The book is based on in-depth interviews conducted both with people directly involved and sympathizing with the heroes, and with skeptical people who do not hesitate to point out weaknesses or controversial decisions. This comprehensive approach allows for a multidimensional understanding of the phenomenon of local power and its impact on the lives of the inhabitants of the Tricity.

The basic thesis of the book, which says that the longevity of the president of a large city depends on the ability to build relationships with the world of national politics and to build the scope of his autonomy and effectiveness in relations with national entities, is a valuable conclusion from reading this publication. It is a case study that can be valuable to anyone interested in local politics and power mechanisms.

Technical data:

Publisher: Ośrodek Myśli Politycznej, 2019
Pages: 204
Format: 205x145x10 mm
Cover: paperback