The special anti-corruption committee of the Riigikogu has decided to thoroughly update the good practices of Riigikogu members, focusing on expense allocations, interest group meetings and lobbying, and behavior of Riigikogu members in the hall. The best practices will be updated as significant changes have taken place both in society in general and in the culture of parliament since they were drawn up.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, chairperson of the special anti-corruption committee of the Riigikogu, said that although the good practices of members of the Riigikogu deal with important values, ten years have passed since they were developed, and during the that, important changes. has happened, and it is appropriate to take it into account in the new edition. “At the session of the special anti-corruption committee, we decided that the good practice of Riigikogu member needs to improve in three important directions. As part of the update, we will focus on the topic of recording and publishing meetings with interest groups and lobbyists, the rules for expense allowances and housing allowances for members of the Riigikogu, and the need to communicate with to promote dignity in the parliamentary culture of the Parliament. behavior,” said Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
“This topic has been on the table before, under the leadership of several different chairs, but it was not possible to move forward with this topic because there was no political consensus. I am glad that the members of the committee see the need for changes today,” said Kovalenko-Kõlvart and added that the renewal of good practices is taking place in the Riigikogu in a broad and inclusive debate.
As a first step, the special anti-corruption commission has issued an application this morning, with a request to submit their recommendations for the development of a new version of the good practices of members of the Riigikogu, to all organizations and members of the Riigikogu that does not belong to the party. Positions and suggestions are expected both regarding the content of the current edition of the good practices and new topics that are appropriate to be covered in the good practices of the members of the Riigikogu. The anti-corruption commission is awaiting proposals from groups and Riigikogu representatives by the end of the working day on December 2, 2024.
