More transparency required: parliamentarians must explain the extra income

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The State Political Commission of the Council of States (SPK-S) followed the parliamentary initiative by 7 votes to 4, the parliamentary services announced on Friday. She supports an initiative by Green Party councilor Lisa Mazzone (35, GE). Mazzone requires council members to state the amount of compensation received for each outside activity.

Mazzone proposes that councilors should disclose whether the annual income is less than 6,000 francs or between 6,000 and 12,000 francs, between 12,001 and 50,000 francs, between 50,001 and 100,000 francs, between 100,001 and 200,000 francs or more.

Do not disclose key professional activities

According to a report by the Federal Office of Justice (BJ), it would be constitutionally absolutely permissible to create transparency in the compensation for additional activities of council members, says Mazzone, justifying her proposal. Income from full-time employment does not have to be stated.

The majority of the SPK-S believes that this additional transparency would strengthen public confidence in parliament, the statement said. If the population gains this insight, it will strengthen confidence in parliament.

The minority in the Commission, on the other hand, considers greater transparency incompatible with the principle of a militia parliament. Council members are expected to perform professional activities and fulfill mandates in addition to their political commitment.

Before the committee of the Council of States can develop a template, the sister committee of the National Council must give the green light.

Data from mandates with health insurers do not have to be made public

The SPK-S goes too far with the demands of Ticino national councilor Lorenzo Quadri (48, Lega). He wants transparency about the income of council members for positions on the board or management of health insurers. The SPK-S rejected the corresponding parliamentary initiative with 9 votes in favor and 0 abstentions.

The Council of States must now make a decision on this. If he also says no, the initiative is off the table. The National Council followed the initiative last March with 106 votes in favor, 69 votes against and 14 abstentions. In addition to the SP and the Greens, many members of the SVP faction, to which Quadri belongs, also voted in favor of the initiative. (SDA)

Source:Blick