While she herself receives no income from her additional positions, she finds it remarkable that the studied MPs are unwilling to be transparent about their income. “Especially because we parliamentarians always ask for openness and transparency,” she says. “Then you must be prepared for yourself.”
As an example, Leijten cites Members of Parliament who combine their position as a member of parliament with a supervisory board. “Sometimes there’s a fee in return, and it makes a lot of sense for you to pass that income on,” she continues. “It’s part of the deal. We have now also received that Integrity Committee, which launches an investigation as soon as a report from an MEP arrives. And I think it’s a good thing that the organization of the Chamber eventually brings back those who persist in not transmitting certain figures”.
Integrity violation
Leijten also has some ideas for stricter enforcement. For example, he says MPs who have not declared their additional income at the end of each year will be reported to the Committee. ‘And they can then see whether it’s an integrity violation — people knowingly not playing by the rules — or whether it’s a mistake. That would also make it fairer, because now the inquiry only mentions who is being sued. And this is selective.’
More transparency
Leijten is determined to achieve more transparency in the Chamber and intends to work on it. “We’ve said many times that it would be nice if there was some sort of share register,” he continues. «So we also know what patrimonial interests are. For example, ministers have to distance themselves from certain assets and make statements about them, while MPs don’t have to.’
It would also approve additional income and gifts, and the agenda made public. ‘There is already talk of gifts over fifty euros, but who pays for travel abroad, for example? That they are made in function, this can also be important. And as far as we’re concerned, the agenda is also important, and that takes some effort. Many also have reservations about exactly how to do this. But as far as we are concerned, she simply makes it clear how she tries to spend her time and energy in the task of representing the people. It doesn’t have to be by first and last name, but a business visit to the Rotterdam shopkeepers is a different visit to Shell.’