During the discussion of amendments to the law on conflict of interest, which took place on March 12, the head of the legal department of the State Agency for State Service and Local Self-Government, Baktygul Usenalieva, explained that one of the proposed amendments concerns the verification of the declaration of private interests.
She noted that the declaration of private interests is often confused with the tax declaration, and that in practice, its verification should be carried out by the ethics commission. However, meetings of this commission have not been held, and materials on conflicts of interest have not been recorded. The new draft law proposes to transfer the verification of the declaration to the personnel department, as it is the one that collaborates with employees entering public service.
Surabaldiyeva expressed doubt that this solution would be effective. "The personnel department cannot oppose its leadership, as it depends on it. We are witnessing a revolving door of personnel. For example, if a new leader is appointed, and their relatives or close ones have stakes in a business, how can the personnel department raise an objection?" she asked.
Usenalieva agreed with the stated problem and added that in practice, the personnel department cannot always require the new head to fill out the declaration of private interests.
"Leadership positions are political, so this work should be carried out by the personnel department of the structure to which this position belongs," she explained.
Surabaldiyeva clarified: "Who should check a person for a conflict of interest — the cabinet of ministers, the prime minister, the State National Security Committee, or the Prosecutor General's Office?"
According to Usenalieva, the issue of interest declarations for leaders pertains to the structure that appoints them.
Surabaldiyeva confirmed her support for the draft law but noted that she has a number of questions. "Why does the family of a newly appointed official begin to thrive specifically in this area? And only after a change in the political situation do checks begin. This question requires further study," she concluded.
