Increased accountability on members of Parliament

Abstract

Over the years, the term accountability has become more audible in several areas, primarily due to the frequent reference made to this term in a Parliamentary context. In an attempt to restore public trust in this national political institution, a number of issues, measures and proposals revolving around the notion of ‘Political Accountability’, have been placed on the national agenda and given particular attention. This thesis examines the definition given to accountability in local legislation, academic papers, Parliamentary institutions and also the European Union. It further elaborates on the level of standards that a Member of Parliament is expected to reach, particularly during his tenure in office, with discussions related to the ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ theories of accountability. The role of Members of Parliament is explored by analysing three particular functions which are expected to be fulfilled during their term in office. These functions are representative, legislative and scrutiny of the government. In this context, a number of questions are asked in order to examine, clarify and discuss a number of controversial parliamentary issues which appeared on the agenda of the House of Representatives throughout recent history. The notion of Parliament Accountability is expounded further in a critical analysis of the main legislative instruments related to the Maltese Parliament, as well as other acts and amendments introduced during the first period of the 12th Parliamentary legislature. It also analyses the most salient provisions included in the Financing of Political Parties bill that raise the level of accountability expected by a Member of Parliament, even prior to his election in Parliament. An in-depth inquiry is also conducted on a number of proposals related to the subject, amongst which one can find the ‘White Paper on the Maltese Parliament: More Autonomy, more Accountability’, ‘Standard in Public Life Act, 2014’, ‘Commissioner for Standards in Public Life’, ‘Committee for Standards in Public Life’, ‘citizen’s right of reply’ and also the ‘Honoraria based on attendance’. The Conclusion of the Thesis hails those proposals intended to increase accountability on Members of Parliament and defines them as a step in the right direction. At the same time it highlights the fact that further action is needed especially with regard to Parliamentary Privileges and the Citizen’s right of reply. It also stresses the importance that in parallel to further increase in accountability there is an exigency for concrete actions so as to increase the autonomy of parliament while empowering Members of Parliament with the necessary resources.