Due to current events – DICO and the Compliance in Politics Working Group welcome the creation of the new criminal offense of improper safeguarding of interests (§ 108f StGB) and reaffirm their previous positions and proposals to fill the current regulations with life in practice.
The political events of the last few days and yesterday’s discussion in the Bundestag once again highlight the importance of a resilient democracy in Germany. In order to make politics and, in particular, elected representatives more robust and resistant to external attacks and illegitimate influence, better regulations, including on the bribery of elected representatives, are necessary but not sufficient on their own. The new criminal offense of improperly safeguarding interests adopted by the Bundestag yesterday is important, but the success of this new regulation must be measured by its actual application and by a culture of integrity and compliance.
As the voice of compliance, DICO actively follows and supports the political process in this area. We are focusing on further discussion about integrity in politics and the question of how this can be actively practiced and effectively strengthened. After all, this issue is not just a matter for politicians, but is just as crucial for business and civil society.
Under the leadership of DICO, compliance experts have worked together with members of the youth associations of the political parties to develop a practical guide to the application of compliance regulations in politics, the topicality and urgency of which are once again becoming clear.
Link to the practical guide: DICO_CiP_Praxis-Ratgeber_final.pdf (dico-ev.de)