Abstract:

The current world economy is made up of a network of interconnected and interdependent national economies. This is related not only to the economic management that took place after 1945,[1] unprecedented in the history of mankind. An indirect effect of this is inception of the international business corporations with a global reach. Their market share is so large that it can disrupt the functioning of the "free market". For these reasons – which is a kind of paradox – in order to maintain the healthy functioning of the free market, it becomes necessary to establish specialized bodies regulating market competition. These bodies are both international and national in nature. This article introduces one of such public institutions – the Polish President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.

[1] As P. Mikiłaszewicz points out: the need to guarantee economic and social rights both at the international and constitutional level has its source in respect for human dignity, which became the basis of the post-war legal and political order in Europe. The implementation of the postulate of protection of this dignity is not possible only by guaranteeing political rights, without creating appropriate living and economic conditions, enabling people to live in dignity and participate in economic and social life. Idem, commentary on art. 78 [in:] Konstytucja RP. Tom I. Komentarz do art. 1–86, M. Safjan, L. Bosek (red.), Legalis.