Lobbying is an activity which consists of attempting to influence decisions taken by public authorities. Lobbyists intervene with elected officials and senior civil servants to convince them to make decisions favorable to their interests.
The term “lobbying” appeared in the United States in the mid-19th century. Today, lobbying is a widespread activity in many countries. In France, lobbying is regulated by the Sapin 2 law, which sets out the conditions for carrying out this activity.
The term “lobbying” refers to the activity of lobbyists, that is to say people or groups of people (companies, associations, etc.) who seek to influence the political or economic decisions of a country.
The term “lobbying” refers to the activity of lobbyists, that is to say people or groups of people (companies, associations, etc.) who seek to influence the political or economic decisions of a country.
The history of lobbying is quite old. Indeed, we find traces of lobbying in the United States from the end of the 18th century, when interest groups began to form to try to influence the decisions of Congress.
Today, lobbying has become a very important activity, particularly in the United States. Indeed, according to some estimates, more than 30,000 lobbyists operate in Washington, D.C., the American capital.
Lobbying can be a legal and rule-abiding activity, but it can also be illegal and/or questionable. Indeed, some lobbyists do not hesitate to use unscrupulous means to try to influence political decisions.
Lobbying is sometimes criticized as an opaque activity that allows interest groups to gain power and control political decisions.
In general, lobbyists address political decision-makers to explain their client's interests and try to convince them to adopt measures favorable to the latter.
The term “lobbying” generally refers to activities carried out by individuals or groups with the aim of influencing the decisions of a political power or an institution. These activities can take various forms, ranging from casual conversation to aggressive advertising campaigns.
Lobbyists can be employed by an organization interested in the decisions of a political power, such as a company or association, or be independent. They address political decision-makers to explain the interests of their client and try to convince them to adopt measures favorable to the latter.
Lobbying is often criticized because some consider it a form of corruption. Indeed, there is a risk of conflict of interest when lobbyists try to influence decisions in favor of their clients, even if it means neglecting the public interest.
On the other hand, some lobbyists have privileged access to policymakers, which can give the impression that only those who can afford to pay a lobbyist can make their voices heard.
Despite these criticisms, lobbying can also be seen as a legitimate and necessary activity. Indeed, it allows different actors in society to participate in the democratic process by expressing their interests and trying to influence political decisions.
Lobbying is therefore a complex phenomenon which gives rise to divergent opinions. Whatever one thinks, it is undeniable that lobbyists play an important role in political decisions taken at the national and international level.
The term “lobbying” refers to the activity of lobbyists, that is to say people or groups of people (companies, associations, etc.) who seek to influence the political or economic decisions of a country. Lobbyists address political decision-makers to explain their client's interests and try to convince them to adopt measures favorable to the latter.