Tymczasowy Naczelnik Państwa – pierwszy sługa Narodu czy dyktator?

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of the scope of competence of the Interim Head of State. This office was held by Józef Piłsudski in the period from November 1918 to February 1919. According to the author, the scope of the powers of the Provisional Head of State – in terms of executive power – was virtually unlimited. Also from the formal point of view, there were no restrictions that would deprive the head of state of decisive influence on the management of the state. The Temporary Chief of State had a full influence on the functioning of the armed forces, as well as he played a key role in shaping and conducting foreign policy. The Temporary Chief of State also concentrated legislative power in his hands. There was no parliament in the indicated period, therefore there was no institutional possibility to control the activities of the Temporary Head of State. His power was therefore omnipotent, in scope not inferior to dictatorial power. Despite this, the holder of this vast power – J. Piłsudski – never became a dictator who abused his powers. Key words: head of state, chiefs of state, system of governme