burmistrz

Burmistrz is the title of the executive head of a gmina in Poland that has the status of a town (miejska) or urban-rural (miejsko-wonna? urban-rural). In larger cities with a status akin to a city with powiat rights, the head is called prezydent miasta. The term burmistrz comes from historical German forms such as Burgomistrz/Bürgermeister and is used to designate a town mayor.

The burmistrz leads the gmina’s administration and is responsible for implementing the resolutions of the gmina council (rada gminy). He or she prepares the annual budget, administers the local budget, and oversees municipal services such as education, transportation, housing, public safety, and waste management. The burmistrz represents the gmina in legal matters, negotiates with other levels of government, and signs official acts and agreements. The executive is typically supported by a deputy and by department heads, and the burmistrz may chair the gmina’s executive body.

Election and term of office are set by law. The burmistrz is elected by residents in local elections for a four-year term and may be re-elected. The position is subject to oversight by the gmina council, and vacancies are filled according to statutory procedures.

Distinctions with other titles are linguistic and administrative. A wójt heads a rural gmina, while a prezydent miasta heads a large city or city with powiat rights. The title “burmistrz” thus denotes the town-level executive within Poland’s three-tier local government structure.