Caption: AdoptedRejectedWithdrawnNo electronic votes
22 June 2016
Tabled by Mr Serhii KIRAL, Mr Leonid YEMETS, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Serhii SOBOLIEV
Votes: 11 in favor 27 against 6 abstentions
In the draft resolution, paragraph 4, replace the second and third sentences with the following sentences: "As national elected representatives, parliamentarians are mandated by their national electorate to act in the general interest, albeit in accordance with the political values professed by their political party. As members of the Assembly, they undertake to adhere to the fundamental objectives and principles of the Council of Europe and, to the extent that they are affiliated to one of the five political groups of the Assembly, to promote the group's objectives, values and principles, which also must be in accordance with the political values professed by their national political party."
Explanatory note
Adding the word "national" more specifically shows the nature of the Assembly members' mandate. It is not the European electorate but the national electorate who elected their national representatives to the Parliamentary Assembly. Thus, members should be focused on the objectives of their respective nations.
22 June 2016
Tabled by Mr Serhii KIRAL, Mr Leonid YEMETS, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Serhii SOBOLIEV
Votes: 8 in favor 30 against 8 abstentions
In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 6, insert the following words: "or to the national interests of the relevant state".
Explanatory note
The additional words slightly soften the definition. According to the report, these are actions taken by parties only in relation to conduct which is damaging or disloyal to the party. But it is normal in developing countries to exclude MPs when their actions are disloyal to the national interest.
22 June 2016
Tabled by Mr Serhii KIRAL, Mr Leonid YEMETS, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Egidijus VAREIKIS, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Serhii SOBOLIEV
Votes: 9 in favor 34 against 3 abstentions
In the draft resolution, replace paragraph 12 with the following paragraph:
"Moreover, the Assembly considers that although, at national level, party discipline is a prerequisite for stable parties and party coalitions and the effectiveness of their policy, which leads to the proper functioning of democracy, such considerations are less relevant, but remain important when it comes to promoting within the Parliamentary Assembly the aims and basic principles of the Council of Europe and collaborating "sincerely and effectively" in the promotion of "ideals and principles which are [Europeans'] common heritage" and are overriding fundamental human rights."
Explanatory note
As mentioned in the report, party discipline must be considered as part of effective functioning of democracy. However, the paragraph emphasises only the individual freedom of MPs, excluding political party matters. Our amendment seeks to restore the balance.
22 June 2016
Tabled by Mr Serhii KIRAL, Mr Leonid YEMETS, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Egidijus VAREIKIS, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Serhii SOBOLIEV
Votes: 8 in favor 29 against 8 abstentions
In the draft resolution, replace paragraph 13.1.1 with the following paragraph:
"Assembly members exercise their mandate freely and independently; they are not bound by, albeit should act with respect for, any instructions from their delegation, their national political party or their political group in the Assembly;".
Explanatory note
We couldn't give an absolute freedom to elected representatives.
22 June 2016
Tabled by Mr Serhii KIRAL, Mr Leonid YEMETS, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Egidijus VAREIKIS, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Serhii SOBOLIEV
Votes: 5 in favor 36 against 6 abstentions
In the draft resolution, at the end of paragraph 13.2.2, insert the following words: ", and in accordance with the national interests of their countries".
Explanatory note
Assembly members must act also as national representatives of their countries.