Politicians and officials cannot lobby for at least two years after they leave office
The government is advancing in its plan to end so-called ‘revolving doors’ and the excessive influence that certain business sectors have in their relations with the government. The Council of Ministers approved in the first round on Tuesday the draft law on transparency and integrity in the activities of interest groups, the rule that will allow for the first time the activities of those known as ‘lobbies’ in their relations with the General State Administration (AGE) and the public sector.
To begin with, the text states that no senior state official or official may engage in this activity for at least two years after his resignation. In addition, a Register of Interest Groups will be created, which will be mandatory registration and specifying which natural and legal persons can be considered as such.
Finally, and according to the original proposal, political parties, trade unions or business organizations are not considered interest groups when carrying out activities recognized in the Constitution. Those who could have that qualification are the entities or foundations created or funded by the same organizations.
Nor will public authorities and their public sector, international public bodies and organizations, or entities defending and promoting their own economic and social interests, as is the case with professional associations, be regarded as a ‘lobby’.
The same will happen to natural persons who act autonomously without being associated with others, provided that their objectives do not imply significant individual economic or social interests.
Under the proposal, a large company must be registered if a large company wishes to hold meetings with a member of the administration who can influence regulatory decisions in any way. For their part, senior officials engaged in drafting laws have an obligation to verify that those with whom they meet are part of the aforementioned register.
Future legislation will also introduce a regulatory footprint system that will consist of incorporating into the Regulatory Impact Analysis Report (MAIN) the changes introduced into a regulatory provision by this activity of “lobbying” of natural or legal persons.
Other data to be displayed is the identity of the public personnel and the representatives of the interest groups who participated in the meetings that influenced the drafting of regulations.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
