Parliamentary speakers out to lift veil on members' interests
Reform proposals by Congress and Senate leaders include disclosure of personal wealth on official websites
A reform of the electoral law will lift the veil of secrecy regarding the assets of Spanish congressmembers and senators, if a proposal by the speakers of both houses is accepted. José Bono and Javier Rojo want the institutional websites to disclose members' personal wealth as part of a drive toward more transparency.
In order for this reform to take effect in September, congressional groups must work together on a joint bill in June and July and use fast-track procedure to get it approved. The initiative also seeks to get stricter on what activities house members may do on the side - theoretically only artistic, literary, scientific or teaching work is accepted.
Rojo and Bono also want to eliminate complementary pension sums for members who do not have top retirement checks guaranteed.