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Czech politicians may soon need to register property upon assuming office

Xinhua, July 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

Czech politicians may soon need to submit property statements upon assuming office to a register to be managed by the Justice Ministry, Czech Legislation Minister Jiri Dienstbier said Wednesday.

This follows a draft amendment to the law on conflict of interest adopted by the Czech government on Wednesday, which will apply from January 2017.

It also requires politicians to report the incomes of their wives or husbands and registered partners.

Dienstbier said the amendment is an important anti-corruption tool, and could enable better public and official control.

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said these were significant changes that aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the operation of public office.

According to the draft amendment, the ministry would set up a new department with 20 employees, who would also carry out inspection and surveillance activities.

Any breach of the law would be fined with up to 500,000 crowns (20,000 U.S. dollars). It would be applicable among others to those who, after leaving their public post, would start working for a firm which they helped gain a big contract while publicly active.

The amendment will now go to parliament for approval. Endit