radny

Radny is a title used in Poland and other Slavic contexts to designate an elected member of a local or regional council. In Polish, the masculine singular form is radny, the feminine singular is radna, the masculine plural is radni, and the feminine plural is radne. The term applies to members of municipal councils (rada gminy or rada miasta), county councils (rada powiatu), and voivodeship assemblies (sejmik województwa), reflecting Poland’s system of local self-government.

Role and responsibilities of a radny include attending council sessions, debating proposals, and voting on local laws, budgets, land-use plans, and development programs. Radni also oversee the actions of the local executive authorities, such as the mayor (burmistrz or prezydent miasta), village or town heads (wójt), or starosta, and may participate in committees or working groups to shape policy and oversight. They serve as representatives of residents, aiming to balance public interests with administrative resources.

Election and terms are governed by national law, with radni chosen in local elections held at regular intervals. The exact term length can vary by jurisdiction within Poland, but overall the office is structured to provide residents with a voice in local governance and budgetary decisions.

Etymology and usage extend beyond Poland: the root rada means council, and cognate terms appear in other Slavic languages, such as radní in Czech. In addition to officeholders, the name Radny can appear as a surname in Polish-speaking regions.