In the new version of the law, the concept of "affiliated person" has been expanded to include both individuals and legal entities that can influence decision-making through various mechanisms, such as transactions, shares in companies, or financial obligations, as well as through family ties.
The draft law also states that the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan will determine the authorized bodies responsible for implementing the legislation, including coordinating and monitoring its enforcement.
The changes also affect the process of verifying declarations of personal interests, which will now be the responsibility of the personnel services of state and local government bodies, as well as organizations.
Furthermore, it is proposed to strengthen accountability for violations: disciplinary responsibility will be imposed for false information in declarations, and inaction by leaders upon identifying a conflict of interest may lead to their dismissal.
Income and property benefits obtained in violation of the law will be considered as damage to the state, with the necessity of their restitution.
During the discussion, Deputy Elvira Surabaldiyeva asked whether any civil servants had reported conflicts of interest.
She inquired, "Has there ever been a case where an authorized person declared a conflict of interest? Does anyone remember a situation where a civil servant said, 'I cannot participate in this' and limited themselves?"
In response, Ruslan Kubataliev, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Public Service and Local Self-Government, stated that there had been no such cases. Surabaldiyeva clarified why this is happening.
Kubataliev suggested that the reason might be the ineffective operation of the law.
The deputy asked what changes in the law would help improve its functioning.
The official replied that previously, civil servants were not required to fill out declarations.
To which Surabaldiyeva reminded that all civil servants must submit declarations, and this is checked by tax and other regulatory bodies.
Kubataliev requested to give the floor to the head of the legal department of the agency.
Surabaldiyeva, noting that Kubataliev is the rapporteur on this draft law, asked how long he has held his position.
The official reported that he has been in this position for only two months, after which the head of the legal department provided clarifications on the draft law.
