Anti-Corruption Law sheds light on public employee finances

TALLINN – Parliament passed on March 14 amendments to the Anti-Corruption Law that expand the circle of public service officials obliged to declare to the state their economic interests.

The new amendments, passed 54-5, seek to encourage responsible fiscal management by civil service sector employees and increase transparency and public trust in government.

The new legislation adds more names to the list of public officials who must reveal their financial assets, such as their homes and cars, to the state. If an official's holdings change by at least 30 percent or 100,000 kroons ($6,100), the declaration must be made public.

Pro Patria MP Lauri Vahtre said the legislation does not give a green light to members of Parliament to peek into the checkbooks of public officials, but it does further the scope of which employees are subject to inquiries.

"We have the right and obligation to demand a declaration from certain public officials if someone questions a person's financial holdings or there is a dramatic change," said Vahtre, who is vice-chairman of Parliament's anti-corruption committee. "But, you don't do it just out of your own curiosity."

County governors, rescue service officials, members of the state Defense Forces and heads of city and rural municipalities join the roster of officials required to submit their accounts to the state.

Already included on the list is the president, members of Parliament, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the prime minister, the president of the central bank and the auditor general.

The new legislation further solicits the financial information from board and supervisory council members of companies in which the state holds the majority stake.

Since the law was passed last year, the parliamentary committee hasn't confronted any public official regarding his or her assets.

"People are not yet used to this law and that they can ask for an inquiry," explained Vahtre. "This law hasn't gathered much fame."

The only case to cause speculation – mainly by media – circled around President Lennart Meri's construction of a new home, that many said were beyond the means of the head of state.

"There were some doubts about the president's house, but corruption was not the case with the president," Vahtre said.

The amendments to the Anti-Corruption Law introduce changes in the laws on credit institutions, house rules in Parliament and the Riigi Teataja, the state's official gazette.