An interview with Arkadiusz Chęciński – Mayor of Sosnowiec, nominated for the title of Leader by vocation in the Leader of regional development category.
Which goals achieved throughout over 10 years in office do you consider the most important?
Each day of being a local government official fills me with pride, because I make decisions concerning variety of activities, and the results are seen almost immediately. Sometimes, while walking down the street, someone comes up to thank me. It makes me feel greatly satisfied with the results of both my own and the team work, and boosts my energy. It also proves the meaning of all efforts made for the city. The majority of residents are happy with what’s happening in Sosnowiec. I consider opening of Egzotarium – the Ecological Education Center which, since 2023, together with Fusiński Park, has formed a botanical garden complex, one of the principal achievements. We’re currently beginning revitalisation of the Kazimierz Mine, funded by European Union. The Zagłębie Sports Park is another great place others envy us for. I also remember each playground and every neighborhood road. These are equally important investments, often primary for the residents of individual districts.
Are you a naturally born leader?
I’ve always valued consistency, assertiveness, and leadership. The groups I worked with trusted and followed me.
Apart from innate qualities, what skills do consider useful?
Public administration studies at the Humanitas University in Sosnowiec made a big difference. Before joining the local government, I used to be a soccer player for many clubs in Zagłębie. Sports teach everything, i.e. respect, support for your team and teammates and ignite fighting spirit. As an entrepreneur, I started believing in myself and gained lots of experience.
Does the City Hall provide support to entrepreneurs?
Sosnowiec is committed to the development of entrepreneurship. Striving to create favorable conditions for growth, we’ve created the Entrepreneur Package, encouraging business activity through variety of tax reliefs. Every investor in need is assigned a person to guide them through all the official procedures, help them obtain various permits, and indicate where and what needs to be done. People are extremely satisfied with this form of consulting. I recently spoke with the owner of Panattoni, the Łódź-based development company operating here as well, and he told me he’s investing here, because there’s a good environment for cooperation. Likewise I hear from other entrepreneurs.
What industry prevails in Sosnowiec?
The logistics industry, but the development of the automotive sector is also ongoing. We belong to the Katowice Special Economic Zone, within which the residents of Sosnowiec often find employment. There are also several thriving steel companies.
What about education?
Sosnowiec city’s education is moving forward. We have the renowned Humanitas University, faculties of the University of Silesia and the Medical University of Silesia, the pharmacy program of which is second to none. Education is supported by nearly 140 primary and secondary schools, both public and private, day by day shaping the future of the city.
What councils operate at the City Hall?
A year ago, we established the Women’s Council, i.e. 23 women who want to take action and change our reality. They came up with this idea, so I listened to it carefully and then implemented. I appointed the first Council personally, but the next ones would be elected in democratic elections. The ladies are already preparing the statute. Although the Council operates at the City Hall, it acts independently – just like the The Youth Council of the City of Sosnowiec and the Senior Citizens’ Council of the City of Sosnowiec. Each of these groups is supported by an appropriate representative. Seniors can use municipal clubs and local organisations supported by MOPS (Social Welfare Centre) and the Social Welfare Department. They eagerly participate in organised balls, meetings, and trips, including those abroad.
What measures do you use to counteract the demographic decline?
Sosnowiec, with today’s population of approximately 190,000 (down from 250,000 in the past), is responding to demographic challenges with a package of measures called “Demotrendy” (Demotrends). From September 15, 2025, all municipal nurseries and kindergartens shall be free of charge, and some of them are to be open until 8 p.m. to support working parents. We’re also introducing the so called apartment lottery for families with newborn children. Parents whose children were born in Sosnowiec will receive a monthly cash reward to purchase an annual bus pass at the price of a monthly one, valid until the child reaches the age of 16. We also plan to launch a free psychological support center for women who have suffered a miscarriage or childbirth.
How does international cooperation work?
Schools, cultural institutions, and entrepreneurs carry out international contacts on their own, mainly within the framework of EU projects. We recently visited the Bucha and Kiev regions, and saw how difficult was to live there – just before and after our arrival, there were air raids with casualties. Alarms are a daily occurrence. Our trip mainly related to defence. We wanted to learn about the shelter system. I already completed training in Warsaw and wanted to verify the gained knowledge in practice. Our schools play an important role, eagerly participating in programs such as Erasmus. They’re our best ambassadors!
How’s the cultural sphere developing in Sosnowiec?
We’re truly proud of the Zagłębie Theatre. The building was constructed in 1897, even before Sosnowiec was granted city rights, and was the sixth theatre in the Kingdom of Poland. We’re currently working on a project to renovate this unique building. The modern Zagłębiowska Mediateka (Zagłębie Media Library), renovated in 2018, plays a significant role as a venue for author meetings and literary events. We have numerous cultural institutions operating here: Sosnowieckie Centrum Sztuki – Zamek Sielecki (Sosnowiec Art Center – Sielecki Castle), the Energetyczne Centrum Kultury (Energetic Culture Center), the Władysław Szpilman “Muza” Concert Hall – organiser of performances and concerts, including those by the local Antoni Zimnal, Przystanek Otwartej Kultury (Open Culture Stop), and KANA the Youth Education and Development Center. They run art classes for children and the young. The city also has the Schöna Palace Museum in Sosnowiec with a permanent glass exhibition, the Museum of Earth Sciences of the University of Silesia, and the Museum of Medicine and Pharmacy. Sosnowiec, once the capital of ska music, is the ‘birthplace’ of the legendary Skankan band, performing all over the world. One of our employees played guitar in the band. We also have a folk band called Klimontowianki, whom we helped purchase the costumes. We do our best to support local artists by making municipal premises available for artistic activities solely for prime costs.
As a former athlete, do you support local sports?
Of course! In Poland, sports cannot develop without local government and public support. This year, at the turn of May and June, Sosnowiec became the capital of Polish fencing! These were four days full of excitement, sporting passion, and fights for the titles of Polish Champions in all three weapons: épée, foil, and sabre – both individually and teamly. Olympic athletes, world and European championship medalists, and the best competitors from across the country appeared on the boards. The sabre fencers of ZKS Sosnowiec won gold medals in the Polish team championships in Sosnowiec. ZKS competitor Zuzanna Cieślar also became the individual national champion for the fifth time in a row. In July this year she also became the European vice-champion. Her club colleague, Krzysztof Kaczkowski, also won a gold medal. The Zagłębie basketball players are also doing fantastically well, coming within a whisker of a medal at the Polish Championships. The hockey section is also getting better and better. I think in the coming season both teams will fight for medals!
In Sosnowiec, we have one of the best sports facilities in the country. Two years ago, we opened the Zagłębie Sports Park, including a football stadium, a sports hall, and a winter stadium.
Where and how the Sosnowiec residents relax?
This is probably the most dynamically developing part of our lives. The residents have significantly changed their habits and increasingly started spending their free time actively. That’s good! That’s why we’ve changed the infrastructure around Stawiki so much, and now we’re working intensively on Balaton, having another dimension. It’s a space for rest, walks, and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Park Tysiąclecia offers paths for runners, and the renovated 17th-century Sielecki Castle – Sosnowieckie Centrum Sztuki (Sosnowiec Art Center) hosts exhibitions and summer concerts. We have a huge project ahead, worth about PLN 100 million, to build a Velostrada, or bicycle highway. We’ve renovated the athletics stadium and are building all-season football pitches. I might jokingly say that people looking for excuses not to exercise have fewer and fewer arguments.
How do you spend your free time?
With my family. I father three children. We like traveling together and are fond of movies.
Thank you such an interesting interview! Wishing you all the best and continued success.
Thank you.
Dorota Kolano
Izabela Cekiera
