The Role of the Minister Competent for Public Finances in Determining the Scope of National Public Debt. Selected Issues

The article discusses the role of the minister competent for public finances in determining the scope of public debt. The Author demonstrates that with regard to the determination of public debt the minister competent for public finances has been authorised to determine its subjective and objective scope as well as calculation methodology. The article analyses the legal framework of the public finance act and the delegation of legislative powers to the minister in the light of claims of unconstitutionality made with respect to the practical application of financial law. The Author claims the minister’s very comprehensive prerogatives enable him to take discretionary measures. This argument is confirmed by the way of the subjective competences described in the study are implemented which is reflected by such blanket competences granted to the minister. They do not have sufficient certainty, which in turn has led to the extension of the material scope of debt stipulated in the law, affecting the financial situation of entities of public finance sector, especially that of local government units