During its Autumn 2001 session, the National Council (Lower House) dealt with the revision of legislation that regulates the way in which parliamentary affairs are run. Preparatory work for the revision was carried out by the Political Institutions Committee (PIC), composed of 25 members of the National Council and 13 members of the Council of States (Upper House). The PIC proposed several amendments to the law on Parliament, all of which were approved by the National Council.
Particular attention was paid to 12 which stipulates disclosure requirements for parliamentarians. Pursuant to the newly amended article, Members of Parliament are now bound to disclose their management and supervisory activities in Swiss and foreign corporate bodies, as well as executive or advisory services rendered to Swiss and foreign interest groups. Hitherto, only “important” mandates had to be declared.
Although it welcomes these amendments, ethos considers that they are not far-reaching enough. This view is shared by several PIC members, who demanded that details of earnings also be disclosed. A motion to this effect was rejected in the PIC by 15 to 7 votes. ethos regrets this attitude, and considers that, at the very least, global earnings should be declared.
Several recent cases involving Members of Parliament have highlighted the potential conflict of interest created by elected representatives becoming involved in corporate affairs. In the light of these events, it is disquieting that the amendment to Article 12 is not more profound.
