Poznań took first place in the category of cities with poviat rights, ahead of Kraków and Gliwice. In the category of urban and urban-rural communes, Starachowice turned out to be the best, and Wielka Wieś near Kraków has won among rural communes.

- I am particularly pleased with this award because it is based on hard data and specific indicators selected by experts - says Jacek Jaśkowiak, Mayor of the City of Poznań. - In Poznań, we consistently care about sustainable development: we invest in green areas and create new parks and pocket forests. We also co-finance solutions that improve retention. We are constantly improving the infrastructure: we are building and modernizing tracks, buying modern hydrogen trams and buses, and developing a network of bicycle paths - all in order to encourage Poznań residents to sustainable transport.

The "Rzeczpospolita" self-government ranking includes all communes and cities in Poland - with the exception of Warsaw. Its organisers evaluate them in terms of sustainable development. They take into account the care for the local community and the environment, as well as maintaining financial stability and high-quality management. They are based on information provided by the Central Statistical Office, the Ministry of Finance and information provided by local government officials in a special survey.

The evaluation criteria are determined by an independent jury chaired by prof. Jerzy Buzek, former Prime Minister of Poland. It consists mainly of representatives of local government organizations. These criteria include over 50 indicators in four areas - finance and development, care for residents, clean environment and the supporting area - management quality.

In this year's edition, a maximum of 107 points could be obtained - Poznań scored as many as 100.08 points - the most of all local governments, regardless of the category.

- Currently, it deserves its high position for a very high number of points in all areas assessed by us. Above all, however,  the city was distinguished in terms of care for the environment, where it got the maximum score - emphasizes Anna Cieślak-Wróblewska, journalist of "Rzeczpospolita".

In the category of cities with poviat rights, Poznań was followed by Kraków and Gliwice. Among urban and urban-rural communes, Starachowice, Halinów and Mszczonów were on the podium, and among rural communes, the best were: Wielka Wieś, Zielonki and Zabierzów.

The top ten in their categories also included Jarocin from Wielkopolska and the Suchy Las commune from Poznań.