Independence of the ombudsperson, capacities, and public trust

The independence and impartiality of the ombudsperson institution is enshrined in law

Review of laws to determine if the legislative framework for the ombudsperson institution meets international standards. Principles and requirements regarding the status and powers of the ombudsperson institution are derived from Principles on the Protection and Promotion of the Ombudsman Institution (The Venice Principles), adopted by the Venice Commission at its 118th Plenary Session (Venice, 15-16 March 2019).

Removal from office is only possible in the case of incapacity or misconduct

The term of office of the ombudsperson supports functional independence

Review of laws to determine if the legislative framework for the ombudsperson institution meets international standards. Principles and requirements regarding the status and powers of the ombudsperson institution are derived from Principles on the Protection and Promotion of the Ombudsman Institution ("The Venice Principles"), adopted by the Venice Commission at its 118th Plenary Session (Venice, 15-16 March 2019). Points are allocated based on the fulfilment of the following criteria in the legislation that regulates the term of office of the ombudsperson.

The ombudsperson institution manages its budget, staff and organisational structure without interference of the executive

Analysis of the legislation is corroborated by interviews with the representatives of the ombudsperson institution to learn about the application in practice.

Perceived independence of the ombudsperson by the population (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a representative sample of the population to the following question: “The [Ombudsperson] is independent of political influence.” Answer options are: Strongly disagree, Tend to disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Tend to agree, Strongly agree, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who replied “Tend to agree” or “Strongly agree” to the survey question (x): • x < 10% = 0 points. • 10% ≤ x < 90% = linear function. • x ≥ 90% = 2 points.

Level of trust in the ombudsperson (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a representative sample of the population to the following question: “How much trust do you have in the following institutions? [Ombudsperson]” Answer options are: Do not trust at all, Tend not to trust, Neither distrust nor trust, Tend to trust, Trust completely, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who replied “Tend to trust” or “Trust completely” to the survey question (x): • x < 10% = 0 points. • 10% ≤ x < 90% = linear function. • x ≥ 90% = 2 points.

Perceived ability of the ombudsperson to effectively hold the government accountable (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a representative sample of the population to the following question: “The [Ombudsperson] effectively scrutinises the government and make it accountable to citizens.” Answer options are: Strongly disagree, Tend to disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Tend to agree, Strongly agree, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who replied “Tend to agree” or “Strongly agree” to the survey question (x): • x < 10% = 0 points. • 10% ≤ x < 90% = linear function. • x ≥ 90% = 3 points.