From September 2022 to April 2023, 11 MPs were sanctioned for unjustified absences, with part of their salaries and monthly allowances withheld. Replying to a request for information from Promo-LEX, the Parliament’s Secretariat said that in March 2023 a decision was made to suspend salaries, allowances and other benefits for all members of the Shor Party group until they return to plenary sessions and meetings of their respective committees.
Promo-LEX believes that the reasons for absences related to the fulfillment of an assignment, but also the boycotting of meetings in protest, should be reflected separately from other valid reasons.
Being absent without good reason during one month at three plenary meetings or committee meetings is punishable by a 50% loss of salary and other benefits for the following month. Skipping four or more meetings during a month comes with a 75% penalty.
Promo-LEX also noted that the Parliament’s Secretariat was reluctant to provide detailed information on the reasons of absences citing confidentiality considerations.