Draft Law for Lobbying Regulation (PY0072)

Brief description of the commitment: Following the international recommendations regarding the alignment to legal standards related to the regulation of public integrity indicated in the National Integrity, Transparency and Anticorruption Plan (PNI 2021-2025), the need to work on the drafting of a bill to regulate lobbying activities was identified, for its official presentation to the Executive Branch.

What is the problem that the engagement seeks to address? According to the International Standards for Lobbying Regulation report, the purpose of lobbying regulations is to ensure that there is transparency about the impact of lobbying on decision-making processes, as well as accountability for the policies and laws that are adopted. Lobbying regulation should seek to create a more level playing field, allowing all actors to participate in the decision-making process on an equal footing, and specific mechanisms need to be in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest from influencing the decision-making process. It is also important to note that regulation is only one of the elements that a strategy to ensure fairlobbying must include: compliance with any regulation, but also the willingness of all actors involved to behave ethically, will be crucial to foster an environment where lobbying and decisions on public affairs are carried out ethically and fairly. Lobbying is a legitimate activity and an important aspect of the democratic process. There is a significant public interest in ensuring the transparency and integrity of lobbying, as well as diversity in participation and contribution to decision-making processes on public issues. The standard is a pending matter for the Republic of Paraguay, which requires, in accordance with the vision of the National Integrity, Transparency and Anti-Corruption Plan (PNI 2021- 2025), the implementation of a regulatory framework that covers this dimension within the framework of the promotion of public ethics in the country.

What is the Commitment? Draft bill regulating lobbying activities, for its official presentation to the Executive Branch.

How will you contribute to solving the problem? The proposal consists of drafting a bill to address the lack of regulation of lobbying activities in Paraguay, to promote compliance with the systemic anti-corruption agenda established in the National Integrity, Transparency and Anti-Corruption Plan, Axis 4 Framework for the Control of Public Procurement and the Internal Control and Risk Systems, Objective 4.7. Regulation of conflicts of interest and lobbying activities, Action 4.7.3.

Why is it relevant to OGP values? The regulation aims precisely at defining principles, concepts and procedures that make the management of lobbying in Paraguay transparent. The exercise of accountability is the central goal of the proposed regulation, with the incorporation of procedures and records of public access, which guarantees citizen control of the management of state employees in this area. The incorporation of clear rules will allow public servants to be governed by them and to document their activities to report them. The incorporation of a regulation on lobbying will allow citizens to have direct access to the management of authorities and public servants in relation to lobbying activities carried out by interest groups with these actors, which will allow greater control by citizens as a way of safeguarding the public interest.

Additional information The proposed Commitment is linked to the following Plans: National Development Plan Paraguay 2030 - PND 2030 Strategic Axis Transversal lines AXIS 4. POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING B- EFFICIENT AND TRANSPARENT PUBLIC MANAGEMENT 4.2. Modernizing Public Administration NDP 2030 Institutional Policy Program and Project National Integrity, Transparency and Anticorruption Plan 2021-2025 AXIS 1: PREVENTIVE CAPACITY OF THE STATE IN THE FACE OF ACTS OF CORRUPTION STRATEGY 2.7 - Consolidate the internal control system (MECIP) in each of the State Agencies and Entities. 72. Promote regulations that establish criteria of suitability and integrity to occupy positions of responsibility. NDP 2030 Institutional Policy Program and Project Sustainable Development Goal 2030 - SDG 2030 SDG 16. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS SDG 17. PARTNERSHIPS TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS

Goals and/or major milestones (Milestones with verifiable date | Start Date - End Date)

Event before society that contributes to raising awareness on the regulation of lobbying as a way of promoting public ethics. | June 2023 - July 2023

Preparation of a first outline or draft of the preliminary bill on lobbying regulation. | June 2023 - July 2023

Preparation of a public consultation to gather comments to adjust or complement the preliminary draft. | July 2023 - November 2023

Consolidation and drafting of the final version of the preliminary draft of the lobbying regulation. | July 2023 - December 2023