THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE SAME TERMS AND THE ISSUE OF EMPLOYING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE FOR THE PERIOD OF REPLACEMENT – REFLECTIONS ON THE TOPIC

Abstract

The study attempts to analyse the legal regulation concerning the employment of a local government employee for a replacement period from the point of view of the constitutional right of access to public service on equal terms. The study refers jurisprudence (in particular to the decisions of the Constitutional Tribunal). This solution is an exception to the general rule of competitive and open recruitment. It should be emphasised that the right resulting from Article 60 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland is not absolute. Hence the introduction of „exceptions” is permissible. However, this should be supported by another constitutional value. The analysed statutory regulation is only temporary (for the period of excused absence of an employee). It is based on the principle of efficiency and reliability of public institutions resulting from the preamble to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. The purpose of this solution is to ensure the effective performance of tasks by the local government.