Sołtys

A sołtys (Polish pronunciation: [ˈsɔwtɨs]) is a head of a sołectwo elected by its permanent citizens in a village meeting (zebranie wiejskie).

The detailed powers, duties and responsibilities of the sołtys are decided in the statute made by the gmina council.

In the Grand Duchy of Posen a sołtys usually served the role of a village owner.

[3] In 1934, sołectwa were introduced once again to Poland, which mainly held control over business relating to the people.

[4] A sołtys was the executive of a village government which, until 1973, ruled a gromada.