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.
special-interest politician
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Re: special-interest politician
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.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.
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?).
special-interest politician
Thank you very much, tigertiger.