Parliamentarians – limiting conflicts of interest
This article has been a good reminder that parliamentarians should focus on being representatives of the those who elected them, not representing their own personal financial interests. In countries “such as Kosova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia, business leaders who enter politics must step down from running their companies or transfer them to avoid influencing decision making.” This seems obvious, but it has taken years and much support to encourage and explain why these regulations are so valuable.
The importance of this is being played out worldwide today. In the US there is a law which prohibits public officials from making policy decisions, affecting their companies or assets. Before and during their term, politicians must report their assets and business connections and, in many instances, they find themselves selling off companies, putting them in blind trusts to show their distance from personal interests.
What is needed today is a very clear reminder that our representatives represent the people and articles like this are good reviews of how seriously we should take conflicts of interest. Conflict of interest is regulated for a reason, and we shouldn’t forget that.
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