Parliamentary body mulls registration of lobbyists

A parliamentary working group chaired by the Speaker of Parliament Paula Risikko on Friday unanimously proposed the establishment of a transparent register of lobbyist working in the country, said a press release from the Finnish parliament.

The creation of the register, according to the working group, has to be included in the next government programme.

The working group has also proposed the setting up of a parliamentary group to lead drafting of legislation on the issue.

The register would oblige the registration of organisations and individuals involved in lobbying in the country.

The register would inform the public about the actors who seek to influence decision making in the country. On the other hand, the decision-makers would receive more detailed information on the role of the actors who seek to influence them.