Ethics reform ignores areas where corruption risks are highest - Repubblika

The government's proposed amendments to the code of ethics for MPs ignore real problems of transparency and accountability, rule of law NGO Repubblika said on Tuesday.

"Although these proposals introduce stricter rules for Members of Parliament, they fail to address the areas where the risk of corruption is highest: the exercise of power by ministers and the executive. Ministers oversee public funds, award contracts, issue licences, and influence legislation—often outside Parliament. Yet the reform makes only minor changes to the rules that apply to them. Instead, it focuses on Members of Parliament in general, creating the impression of progress while leaving the most significant gaps unaddressed," the NGO said in a statement.

It added that the proposals fall short on transparency. There is no clear system for the regular and public publication of declarations of assets and interests. Information may be submitted to Parliament but remains inaccessible to the public.

That concern it said, was reinforced by Monday's decision of the Parliamentary Committee on Standards, which prevents the Commissioner from publishing decisions in cases where investigations are not opened.

"This means that independent explanations may be kept hidden, allowing selective narratives to dominate."

Repubblika pointed out that international organisations such as GRECO and the OECD had called for greater scrutiny of ministers, more transparency in lobbying and executive decisions, and independent enforcement.

The new government proposals do not meet those standards.

Repubblika therefore urged the government to open its proposed reform for public consultation, not only discussion with the Opposition.

"Ethics rules should serve the public, not shield those in power from scrutiny," it insisted.