On Thursday, 13 October, the Saeima adopted in the third reading the Law on Transparency of Representation of Interests.
The purpose of the new Law is to ensure transparency in the process of interest representation, thus increasing the society’s trust in public authorities and interest representatives engaged in the proposal, development, adoption, or implementation of public decisions, and also to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all interested individuals to participate in interest representation.
“Everyone has the right to propose their idea to the Parliament, outline the issue and request the adoption of certain amendments. This process should be traceable and open, because currently there is high mistrust in the society as to how various decisions are adopted. The society should be able to clearly understand why one or another proposal is the way it is,” noted Juris Rancāns, Chair of the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee, which was responsible for the progress of the Draft Law in the Saeima.
The Law defines the concepts of interest representation and representative, sets out the duty of interest representatives to enter a special register, and provides for a system for declaring interest representation activities. In addition, the Law lays down the duties of interest representatives and public authorities, as well as restrictions on activities during the process of interest representation. Starting from 2024, the Cabinet will have to submit an annual report to the Saeima about the progress made towards the goals set by the Law, as well as plans for future actions.
The Law on Transparency of Interest Representation will enter into force on 1 January 2023. The Interest Representation Registry and Declaration System will start functioning on 1 September 2025.
Saeima Press Service