Forum for Democracy (FvD) leader Thierry Baudet has been suspended by a majority in the House of Representatives for refusing to provide insight into his side activities. It is the first time MPs have expelled a colleague for violating the code of conduct. Is it desirable that politicians can punish each other?

According to Baudet himself – who now has to sit in the penalty box for a week – at least not. He called the vote illegal. “The basic democratic principle that we don’t control each other is up for debate here,” he says. “MPs should not vote for MPs.” His party calls it an attack on democracy and an attempt to silence FvD.

Bart Vollebergh of Transparency International, an anti-corruption organization, is happy with Baudet’s punishment and thinks MPs should be better monitored. But he agrees with Baudet that politicians should not control each other. “Politicians who vote for other politicians make politics vulnerable.”

Vollebergh fears that the politicians could be accused of having punished colleagues for political enrichment. “That’s why you have to make control independent and take it away from politics so that an independent group of people can judge about it.”

“Don’t be naive about influence”

The vote on Baudet took place because, following criticism from the group of states against corruption, a code of conduct has been in force in the house since April 1, 2021. This working group of European countries found that the Dutch parliament does not adequately monitor MEPs’ financial interests and the influence of lobbyists, which could jeopardize their reliability and independence.

Vollebergh: “We shouldn’t be naïve when it comes to the influence of foreign powers, for example. Then it’s not just about additional positions. It’s also about gifts, trips, financial interests. This whole package is still in its infancy.” , there’s a lot more we can do.”

Internal cash flows

According to the House Integrity Investigation Board, among other things, Baudet did not mention that he is a publishing director. Journalist Harm Ede Botje examined FvD’s money flows. “Baudet is a board member of Amsterdam Media Group BV, which publishes books by Baudet and others. The articles of incorporation state that profits will be divided among the board members.”

MPs can earn money elsewhere, but they have to report it. “Baudet makes the topic fundamental,” says political clearer Arjan Noorlander. “Members enjoy immunity in parliament, they can work part-time and meet with whomever they want. They just have to give up. Baudet doesn’t want that. And that’s why he’s suspended.”

Botje: “If you are a supporter of democracy, say: Even if I don’t agree with it, a majority decided that, so I will do my best. But the FvD MPs don’t do that.”

The underlying question about internal cash flows within the FvD remains unanswered, says Botje: “Has Baudet used membership and funding funds together with his employees to set up his own book publishing company, and is that allowed?”

Botje believes there should be many more ways to investigate MPs. Just like Transparency International. Vollebergh: “In a democracy we need to know who influences politicians.”