When the lobby register was introduced, it was already clear: there is still room for improvement. The traffic light coalition therefore agreed to expand the regulations quickly. But that doesn’t go far enough for critics.
The lobby register of the Bundestag is to be sharpened in order to make the influence of interest groups on legislation even more transparent. For example, it is envisaged that in future contacts with ministries will have to be mentioned down to the level of consultants.
In the future, it must also be specifically stated to which legislative or ordinance project the lobby contact relates. On Wednesday in Berlin, the cabinet decided on a corresponding formulation aid for a draft law by the traffic light parliamentary groups in the Bundestag. Churches, employers’ associations and trade unions still do not have to register in the lobby register.
The lobby register has been maintained on the German Bundestag’s website since early 2022. It is intended to make visible who is influencing political decisions and legislation. Professional stakeholders must register there. For example, they must provide information about their clients and subject areas as well as the personnel and financial costs of their lobbying activities in the Bundestag and the Federal Government. Lobbyists are obliged to adhere to a specified code of conduct. Violations can result in a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
Sharpening was planned early
The traffic light parties SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed in the coalition agreement to quickly sharpen the lobby register that had been decided during the grand coalition – including with a so-called executive and legislative footprint. All new laws should show which interest groups have influenced them.
“The lobby register is being significantly expanded,” said a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday in Berlin at the federal press conference. He justified the fact that churches, employers’ associations and trade unions are still left out with their special, constitutionally protected role.
Another tightening is that the main statements made by lobbyists have to be uploaded in order to make them comprehensible. In addition, in the future the change of mandate holders and office holders to the side of the interest representatives must be made public. It will also no longer be possible to refuse financial information. And: lobbyists must also indicate if they do not represent the interests of their actual client, but those of a third party. This should make chain orders clear.
The Lobby Control organization called for further steps. Her expert Timo Lange explained: “We see great potential in making the transparency instrument more meaningful in the future and closing gaps.” For example, all lobbyists would have to be forced to provide meaningful information about what their advocacy aims to do.
The Association of the Chemical Industry (VCI) criticized, among other things, that churches, employers’ associations and trade unions still do not have to enter themselves in the register. An executive footprint should also be introduced to show who participated in the legislative process. This should be stated in the respective explanatory memorandum.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
