Catalan Parliament proposes €150 cap on gifts to MPs

BarcelonaMPs in Catalonia will be allowed to accept presents whose price does not exceed €150. This is the proposal included in the code of conduct for representatives which the Catalan chamber tabled on Tuesday and the parliamentary groups will get to amend it while the bill is discussed in the Rules Committee.

It was the Speaker herself, Carme Forcadell, who unveiled the proposal in a press conference where she welcomed the new code of conduct as “a step towards a more open, transparent chamber that is more demanding of its members”. Forcadell argued that the parliament should have “glass walls” and Catalan MPs “should conduct themselves in pursuit of the public’s general interest with honesty, transparency, integrity and accountability, as well as an exemplary attitude”.

In addition setting a cap on the price of gifts, representatives will be expected to record their meetings agenda, particularly with interest groups, and will also need to disclose their financial interests. Failure to comply with these rules will lead to penalties, which include impeachment for the worst cases. Political groups may amend the bill, which must be approved by the Rules Committee.

Furthermore, the proposal tabled in parliament aims to regulate potential conflict of interests by ensuring that all elected representatives state and disclose their income. The new code establishes a range of penalties for any MP that fails to comply. Additionally, they will be expected to report their meetings and a registry of interest groups is being put together to that effect.