special-interest politician

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Itasan
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2003 8:22 am
Location: Yokohama, Japan

special-interest politician

Post by Itasan » Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:26 am

ZOKUGIIN in Japanese. I think we could define it as 'a politician who acts
in favor of a particular sector of industry and/or government (and gets benefit
from them). e.g. construction industry-interest politician.
I wonder what is the English term for that. Special-interest lawmaker?

Thank you.

tigertiger
Posts: 246
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2005 9:42 am

Re: special-interest politician

Post by tigertiger » Wed Apr 12, 2006 1:03 am

Itasan wrote:ZOKUGIIN in Japanese. I think we could define it as 'a politician who acts
in favor of a particular sector of industry and/or government (and gets benefit
from them). e.g. construction industry-interest politician.
I wonder what is the English term for that. Special-interest lawmaker?

Thank you.
I am not sure that there is a specific term. The word special interest would imply a very specialised field or topic within the sector. Wherever the word interest is used it implies some personal/financial interest, which would not be appropriate use of power (potentially corrupt/illegal), and so the term would not be used.

However there are MPs who are 'active' in a specific sector. For example the former Transport Minister Steven Norris is actively working with several industry bodies in the transport sector. For example he is president of at least one transport advisory group. These groups advise the lawmakers.
The lawmakers are the Government Ministers.
There are also lobbyists, but these are not serving MPs. However once lobbied an MP can become a 'champion' for a cause/industry.

I must point out that with much stricter control on the private activities of public servants, it is hard for them to get a 'kick back' for thier support. I mention this as your original post implied this almost explicitly (oxymoron?).

Itasan
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2003 8:22 am
Location: Yokohama, Japan

special-interest politician

Post by Itasan » Wed Apr 12, 2006 3:42 am

Thank you very much, tigertiger.

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