On the Need to Reform the Mechanisms of Accountability for Violations of the Rules of Ethics of Deputies

Considering the poor standards of public life, the existence and functioning of the Deputies’ Ethics Committee constitute essential elements of the Polish parliamentarism. Although not the only one, the principal task of the Deputies’ Ethics Committee is to react to the actions of deputies that violate the rules of ethics of deputies adopted in 1997. After more than 20 years of the Committee’s operation, we can identify areas where there are noticeable dysfunctions, e.g. the composition of the Committee, the mechanism of imposing penalties and their type. With the 2018 amendment to the Standing Orders of the Sejm, a new mechanism was also introduced to hold deputies accountable for actions violating ethical standards occurring during sessions of the chamber as well as on the premises under the authority of the Chancellery of the Sejm, effectively allowing us to speak of a duality of accountability.

Legal Consequences of the Addressee’s Failure to Reply to an Interpellation or of Replying Late

The article presents the essence of parliamentary interpellations, refers to the obligation incumbent on the addressee to provide an answer within the time limit indicated in the Constitution. The author is of the opinion that not replying or replying after the deadline is a constitutional tort and is subject to liability before the State Tribunal. The currently occurring, rather negative parliamentary practice necessitates appropriate amendments to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. These changes should also cover the issues of abuse of the right of interpellation and enquiry by.