They lobby in Moldova. Then why shouldn't lobbying be regulated by law? This key question is contained in a study by the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul” themed “Prospect of Regulating Lobbying Activity in Moldova” that was launched on March 17, Info-Prim Neo reports. Study author Pavel Trosin had the possibility of studying lobbying activities while working for a company in the U.S. During the presentation of the study, he said that lobbying in a democratic society generates positive changes, but is is very important that the people distinguish between this activity and traffic of influence. Therefore, the study suggests laying down correct, impartial and transparent rules concerning the compatibility and illegal interference of businesses in the political system, and drafting a bill on lobbying. The study also recommends entrusting an institution with the task of monitoring lobbying and implementing the Register of Lobbyists in state institutions. Corneliu Gurin, law expert of the Association for Participative Democracy (ADEPT), said it is now hard to implement a law on lobbying in Moldova. He also said that this may be even useful as such a law will cause problems to media outlets, NGOs and even the people who promote their ideas. “Moldova's legislation enables to stop the abuses by economic clans. There are laws that regulate the conflict of interest and ensure transparency in decision making. It is important that they are efficiently implemented. Civil society must monitor the implementation of the laws so as to identify illegal lobbying practices and cartel agreements,” Gurin said. Vitalie Verebceanu, head of the Anticorruption Center's general corruption prevention division, believes the Moldovan society is currently not ready to legalize the lobbying activity. According to him, the people tolerate corruption, bribery and traffic of influence and do not react to them even if they disapprove of such acts. Liubomir Chiriac, executive director of “Viitorul”, said the latest events that took place in Moldova show that society is not indifferent to corruption and influence peddling. “But the people should be prepared to support the legalization of lobbying. The lobbyists should know that they will have to pay taxes from the earned incomes. The position of the government officials is not clear. In Romania, they tried to promote such a law six times. In Poland, the law was adopted only after a resounding case of corruption was made public. Only two attempts to promote such a law were made in Moldova. We have yet a lot of work to do,” he said.