Prejudices…
When we think of a lobbyist, we might picture characters from political thrillers who, through their masterful manipulation and intrigue, influence the decisions of politicians. Or, we might think of people who bribe politicians with their clients’ money. There are also references to lobbyist groups working for the same or similar clients, such as the oil lobby, Albanian lobby, gay lobby, and so on. These powerful groups are said to influence global events. This profession in Serbia is still shrouded in mystery. However, the reality is quite different. According to the Lobbying Law, anyone who has completed university education, lobbying training, and is registered in the Lobbyist Register can engage in lobbying. A lobbyist can be a national or a foreign citizen, similar to a lawyer representing their clients. The Lobbying Law also allows a responsible person or employee within a business, company, or association to lobby for the interests of their organization without being registered in the Lobbyist Register, but as an unregistered lobbyist.
This leads to the question: “What does a lobbyist actually do in Serbia?”
A lobbyist influences government bodies to enact regulations that are in the interest of their client using legal means.
What qualities should a lobbyist have to be successful in this job?
1. Education: A lobbyist should be well-educated, with a university degree being essential.
2. Psychology: A lobbyist needs to be a good psychologist, possessing the knowledge and skills to accurately assess people.
3. Law: A lobbyist should be well-versed in legal matters, understanding regulations and the procedures for making laws.
4. Political Science: They must grasp the broader societal context and the consequences of the legislative changes they advocate for, making them also a competent political scientist.
5. Economics: Since every change has costs, a lobbyist should be a good economist to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the proposed changes.
6. A Good Speaker: They need to communicate clearly and precisely, able to convey the essence of their message succinctly, as meetings with influential politicians often last less than ten minutes.
7. A Skilled Negotiator: To secure the best position for their client, a lobbyist must possess soft communication skills and negotiate effectively. This includes being a good listener and recognizing non-verbal signals from counterparts.
Lastly, a lobbyist must be socially responsible and recognize the public interest. They should support only those clients whose interests align with the public good. Otherwise, the client’s actions could potentially cause significant harm to natural resources, people, and property.