This article analyses the evolution of the political position of the civil service in Poland, against the background of the construction of the civil service recognised by European doctrine. The paper presents the first comprehensive statutory regulation from 1922, with an already mature structure, to which all subsequent democratic regulations referred, sometimes polemically. The second part first shows the destruction after 1950 of the then so professional civil service, combined with the introduction - by force - again of Russian models, including a poorly paid administration, executors of decisions made in a huge party apparatus. The reconstruction of the civil service could not take place until after 1989, and was done under the strong influence of French doctrine and practice, including an attempt to create a dedicated school - the National School of Public Administration. The conclusion shows that the regulation currently in force, which requires revision, lowers employment standards in the civil service, breaks with the principle of competitive and open recruitment for senior positions and undermines the principle of neutrality.