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Wales could become world’s first country to criminalise politicians who lie
(theconversation.com)
this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2024
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UK Politics
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But what of those not elected or in public office? Farage for example. He stopped being a MEP and never has been elected or appointed since. But he is still out spouting lies.
Most one could do is go after them once in office if they lied whilst campaigning for election to that office. You could maybe go after them even if they don't win that election.
It probably needs to be done as a strict obligation to not say anything in office or when campaigning which is not verifiably true.
Would also need to be backed with hefty fines on parties if one of their candidates are proven to have lied, or if the party spread that lie.
Tbh any version would be very hard to get right, and if it isn't robust the likes of Farage will use it as yet another tool of discord & disruption as they attack democratic institutions and the rule of law.
I think politics and political falsehoods, aren't just by professional politicians. It's part of wider issue of misinformation spreaders.
Of course, but that's considerably harder to address via criminal law.
Going after people in office (& people running for office & political parties) for misleading the public is much easier, as you can impose a duty on them.