Party discipline and intraparty accountability: Finnish parties in the European Parliament

Abstract

ABSTRACTDo national party leaders enforce discipline in the European Parliament (EP)? This article examines whether and with what consequences for representation and accountability Finnish political parties mandate MEPs. It makes a conceptual contribution by identifying how party discipline shapes intraparty accountability; it makes an empirical contribution by providing an in-depth examination of how three Finnish parties structure relations with MEPs. The findings challenge a notion that underpins major recent studies of legislative behaviour in the European Parliament: that national parties systematically and successfully enforce discipline in relation to MEPs. These national parties pay little attention to the EP or to the activities of MEPs. The absence of intraparty accountability reinforces concerns that an accountability deficit exists at the heart of the EU.