Broekers-Knol: Politicians Must Bear Responsibility for Their Acts
Bratislava, April 24 (TASR) – In order to regain public trust, politicians have to take responsibility for their actions, be transparent and give people the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes, stated President of the Dutch Senate Ankie Broekers-Knol in her speech at the summit of EU parliamentary chairs that took place in Bratislava on Monday.
“We must take responsibility for our actions, be as transparent as possible. We have to educate people and give them the opportunity to form part of the decision-making process. We must be willing to evolve as time passes,” she said, adding that if politicians want people to trust them, they also have to trust people.
“The involvement of the public is very important,” added President of Germany’s Bundesrat Malu Dreyer, noting that it’s necessary to address the existing communications gap between parliaments and people. Dreyer stated that using digital technologies might be among the solutions.
“As a parliament we have to be open,” said Chairman of the lower house of the Irish Parliament Sean O’Fearghail, agreeing with the other speakers that communication between parliaments and the public should improve. He pointed to the use of digital technologies and social networks in his own country, noting that in Ireland they tweeted the results of the secret ballot via which he was elected to his post.
