EU: Secret vote on greater transparency

At lunchtime on Thursday, the 751 members of the european Parliament take a position, if they have to publish when they have meetings with lobbyists. The decision is one of several that deals with the rules of procedure of parliament and Max Andersson (MP) is one of the initiators.

But how members vote in this öppenhetsfråga will be secret, for it has the EPP, with the conservatives and christian democrats pushed through.

– It is terribly embarrassing for the EU-parliament and to hold a secret vote on the transparency. It brings a faintly shimmer of the EPP, says Max Andersson.

Max Andersson (MP). Photo: Fredrik Hjerling

, is just as critical.

" It is absolutely preposterous. We English members had voted against this in the group, but by a small margin, won the second, " he says.

He explains the outcome with the traditions differ between countries and that some believe the issue complicated or intrusive.

driver lobbyfrågan. He believes that it is about leveling the playing field between those who have a lot of money and those who have little.

– There is a picture of that companies can buy influence in the EU system. The picture is not entirely unfair, " he says.

With a register would incentives increase for parliamentarians to meet even the ”other side” and listen to the arguments, reason he.

– furthermore, It would raise the level of the EU-parliamentarians ' knowledge, view Max Andersson.

voted against the release, and as late as Wednesday tried to change the decision, like the not compulsory registration.

– It is an important integrity issue at all. I am going to be judged on the basis of the decisions I have made, not on the basis of which I have met, or not met, " says Gunnar Hökmark.

Gunnar Hökmark (M) Photo: Anette Nantell

His party colleagues Anna Maria Corazza Bildt and Mr Fjellner will also vote against as well as KD's Anders Sellström.

Gunnar Hökmark do not agree that those with strong financial resources can influence decisions more than those with less resources.

" My decisions are not affected by whether I meet someone a lot or a little. It is a conspiratorial view, " he says.

from both sides to secure votes. MP:s Max Andersson assesses the outcome of the vote uncertain.

"I Look forward, I believe that we in ten years have better rules, but it would be good if we have it already from Thursday," he says.

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