Ampel is discussing new guidelines for the parliamentary teams’ social media actions | EUROtoday

DThe visitors gentle coalition desires to create a brand new authorized framework for the actions of the Bundestag factions on social media. The factions of the SPD, FDP and Greens introduced this to the German Press Agency on Thursday. “We want to create a legally secure basis for the parliamentary groups’ public relations work from within Parliament.” The Union was additionally concerned on this.

The Federal Audit Office had beforehand referred to as for clear authorized rules for the political teams' social media work. He criticized the truth that the Bundestag factions used federal funds “inappropriately and therefore contrary to the rules” when utilizing social media. The present authorized framework favors this. “For systemic reasons, it creates significant false incentives to promote one’s own politics, one’s own party and thus one’s re-election.” That is opposite to the foundations.

The Court of Auditors examined the entire parliamentary teams' posts within the week earlier than the 2021 federal election. The consequence: “For the most part, they did not provide information, or not only, about the activities of the parliamentary groups, or the posts contained party or election advertising and were therefore inadmissible.”

The federal authorities offers the parliamentary teams with money and non-cash advantages at present amounting to 140 million euros per yr from the federal price range as parliamentary group funds. Among different issues, in addition they used this to finance appearances on social media.

Adjustments to the legislation on representatives deliberate

According to the communication from the visitors gentle teams, an adjustment to the legislation on representatives is deliberate. In the longer term, it needs to be made clearer that the parliamentary teams can report comprehensively on their work within the Bundestag, convey their political positions and enter into dialogue with residents about parliamentary-political points. This additionally contains communication through digital media. “It is clear that political groups are not allowed to do party work. A clear demarcation from inadmissible party advertising is particularly important near election campaigns.”

Green MP Irene Mihalic mentioned: “In the future, the President of the Bundestag should be able to fully reclaim funds used inappropriately. Violations of the rules no longer remain without consequences. Six weeks before the federal election, public relations work is limited to parliamentary events. Especially in the hot election campaign phase, a clear demarcation from inadmissible party advertising must be ensured.”

Particularly in difficult occasions, parliamentary teams should inform residents transparently and comprehensively about their work, mentioned SPD MP Johannes Fechner. “But if the public resources intended for this purpose are misused, there must be a crystal-clear legal basis for their rapid repayment. We are therefore creating clear rules for more transparency and against misuse of tax funds.”

The FDP politician Stephan Thomae mentioned that there should be a transparent authorized framework for contemporary public relations work in digital media. This should additionally be sure that the monetary sources supplied are solely used appropriately.