Online exchange of experiences on “Parliamentary Control” in Berlin and Tashkent

Lively discussions were moderated by the Director of the Legislation Institute at the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Fasilzhon Otakhonov (first row, centre). Also taking part in the discussions was Tolibzhon Madumarov (2nd from right), Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee for Defence and Security in the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Lively discussions were moderated by the Director of the Legislation Institute at the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Fasilzhon Otakhonov (first row, centre). Also taking part in the discussions was Tolibzhon Madumarov (2nd from right), Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee for Defence and Security in the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan

On 20 October 2020, IRZ organised an online exchange of experiences in partnership with the Legislation Institute in the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Both chambers of the Uzbek Parliament were represented at the event by high-ranking members. More than thirty participants were welcomed by Akmal Saidov, Vice-President of the Legislative Chamber, and Sainiddin Nizamkhodzhaev, Vice-President of the Senate in the Parliament of Uzbekistan. The exchange of experiences focussed on the subjects of “parliamentary control” and “the right of MPs to ask questions”. Acting as an IRZ expert, Volker Görg, Head of the parliamentary services department at the German Bundestag, gave a speech on the subject.

Strengthening the role of parliament and increasing the effectiveness of parliamentary control are specific objectives of the extensive reform programme in the Uzbek Legislative Chamber. German expertise in this complex of subjects, in particular on amendments to parliamentary rules of procedure on the rights of MPs to ask questions, allowed the Uzbek participants to make an in-depth legal analysis and comparison with German provisions. The discussions were moderated by the new Director of the Institute, Fasilzhon Otakhonov and covered the following topics:

  • Minor and major interpellations,
  • role of the parliamentary secretariat and
  • provisions for the admissibility and content of questions from members of the Bundestag.

The German expert expressed the view that this type of questioning is vital for the democratic legitimation of the actions of executive powers. After all, the government essentially has a duty to answer any questions put forward by members of parliament. According to the German Federal Constitutional Court, this obligation for the German government to respond is a prerequisite for the proper fulfilment of parliamentary control.

The online exchange of expertise made an important contribution towards establishing parliamentary control in Uzbekistan, which plays a fundamental role in states organised under democratic principles.