Parliamentary Oversight of the Executives: Tools and Procedures in Europe

Governments are increasingly controlling legislation, diminishing the influence of parliaments. This book explores this trend in European parliaments and suggests tools and methods to bolster their oversight role.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The oversight of executives has always been a crucial aspect of parliaments, playing a vital role in fostering the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. Nevertheless, in reality, governments are increasingly assuming a more assertive role in shaping legislation, thereby diminishing the influence of parliaments. This book aims to document this trend in parliaments across Europe, highlighting both points of convergence and divergence. By doing so, it offers valuable insights and strategies for parliaments to enhance their indispensable oversight function.

Parliaments have traditionally played a pivotal role in overseeing the actions of executives, as it is essential for maintaining a balance of power and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards governments taking a more active role in controlling legislation, which has diluted the influence of parliaments. This book explores this trend in parliaments across Europe, providing a comprehensive analysis of the various factors contributing to this shift.

One of the primary drivers of this trend is the increasing complexity of modern governance, which requires a more centralized approach to policy-making. Governments have become increasingly reliant on expert committees and regulatory bodies to draft and implement legislation, which often bypasses the scrutiny of parliaments. This can lead to policies being implemented without proper consultation or debate, which undermines the democratic legitimacy of the government.

Another factor contributing to the dilution of parliament's oversight role is the rise of populist movements and the decline of political parties. Populist parties often prioritize the interests of their supporters over those of the broader public, which can lead to policies being implemented that are not in the best interests of society. This can also undermine the ability of parliaments to hold the government accountable, as they may be reluctant to challenge the government's policies due to political considerations.

Despite these challenges, there are still ways in which parliaments can strengthen their oversight role. One approach is to increase the transparency and accountability of the government's decision-making process. This can be achieved by establishing clear rules and procedures for the formation and implementation of legislation, as well as by ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions through regular oversight hearings and investigations.

Parliaments can also play a more active role in shaping legislation by engaging in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders. This can involve working together to develop policies that are in the best interests of society, as well as by holding the government accountable for its actions through questioning and debate.

In addition, parliaments can use their power to hold the government accountable through impeachment and censure procedures. These procedures can be used to remove executives who are deemed to be acting in a manner that is contrary to the interests of the people or the Constitution. However, it is important to note that these procedures should only be used in extreme cases and should be carefully considered to ensure that they are not used to undermine the democratic process.

In conclusion, the oversight of executives has always been a crucial function of parliaments, but in recent years, governments have taken a more assertive role in controlling legislation, which has diluted the influence of parliaments. This book explores this trend in parliaments across Europe, providing valuable insights and strategies for parliaments to enhance their indispensable oversight role. By increasing transparency and accountability, engaging in constructive dialogue, and using their power to hold the government accountable, parliaments can ensure that the government is held to account for its actions and that the interests of the people are protected.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 168 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509943661