Germany imposes code of conduct on lobbyists

The cabinet of German Chancellor Angela Merkel approved a code of ethical standards for lobbyists. It obliges professional lobbyists, among other things, to disclose their interests and clients. The regulation has yet to be approved by Parliament.

The code of conduct is provided for in the Law on the Registration of Pressure Groups, which the German Legislature approved in March, and will enter into force together with it on January 1st, 2022. The objective is to make it clearer who has had influence on the political decisions and legislation.

The law requires lobbyists seeking to advance the interests of specific groups in Parliament or before the federal government to provide details of their employers or clients in a new register, as well as the number of employees and financial outlays for the lobbying.

Meetings in ministries should be recorded down to the level of heads of sub-departments. The register will be kept digitally in Parliament. Those who do not comply with the rules will face a fine of up to 50,000 euros ($ 60,000).

The code spells out the rules of conduct for lobbyists. For example, they are not allowed to agree to contingency fees, in which the amount of remuneration depends on the success of their work. They are also prohibited from influencing their interlocutors through financial or other advantages.

Fuente: dpa