20 Sep

Católica Porto Business School's Ethics Forum reflects on lobbying, with active participation from LIPOR

The term "lobbying" can have various interpretations depending on the interlocutor. However, for the general public, it often carries a negative connotation, sometimes very close to influence peddling. Although not yet regulated in Portugal, the topic raises ethical concerns that call for collective and in-depth reflection.

Thus, the theme of "Lobbying and Influence Peddling” was one of the highlights of the three 2024 sessions of the Ethics Forum at Católica Porto Business School. LIPOR, represented by Paula Mendes, played a central role in this reflection, alongside other Forum members, including Ângela Fernandes (DST Group) and José Ricardo Gonçalves (RBMS Advogados). As an organization committed to sustainability and an active member of the Ethics Forum, LIPOR has a strong interest in promoting ethical practices, particularly regarding transparency and accountability in interactions between private sectors and public entities.

During the session, representatives contributed to a fruitful discussion about the fine line that separates legitimate lobbying from influence peddling, emphasizing the importance of ethics in regulating these practices. For LIPOR, which has long positioned itself as an organization that values integrity and transparent practices, this discussion is crucial, reinforcing the commitment of companies to compliance and ethics in their relationships with public administration and decision-makers.

This is an ongoing discussion that should involve all stakeholders in public policy-making, enabling clear and effective regulation of lobbying, allowing for a clear distinction between legitimate interest representation and influence peddling, while promoting decisions that benefit society as a whole.

Read the full article by Professors Helena Gonçalves and Susana Magalhães on VER (article in Portuguese).

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