Question Time and Government Accountability
Parliamentary control of government extends beyond legislation to ongoing oversight through various questioning mechanisms.
Questions to the Government
The most visible accountability mechanism occurs Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons:
Format: Two-hour sessions with questions alternating between majority and opposition.
Television Coverage: Live broadcasting since 1981 makes this prime political theater.
Strategic Use: Opposition exploits questions to embarrass government, while majority members provide opportunities for ministers to explain policies.
Time Limits: Strict limits (2-4 minutes per question and answer) encourage pointed exchanges.
Topics: Current events dominate, from economic policy to international crises to scandals.
Other Questioning Procedures
Written Questions: Deputies and senators submit thousands annually, requiring written ministerial responses published officially.
Oral Questions Without Debate: Allow detailed examination of specific issues without time pressure of question time.
Topical Questions: Added in 2008 reforms, these address breaking news with shorter notice.
Committee Hearings: Ministers regularly appear before committees for detailed policy discussions away from plenary theater.
Investigative Powers
Beyond questions, Parliament wields investigative tools:
Committees of Inquiry: Can investigate any public policy issue for six months with substantial powers: - Compelling witness testimony under oath - Accessing government documents (with limitations) - Publishing reports with recommendations
Fact-Finding Missions: Less formal than inquiries but more flexible for rapid response to emerging issues.
Evaluation and Monitoring: Standing committees increasingly emphasize post-legislative scrutiny of law implementation.
Court of Auditors Assistance: Parliament can request investigations from this independent body examining public spending.