“The best way for a politician to form an opinion on a difficult issue is to listen to all the lobbyists involved at the same time,” former US President J.F. Kennedy is reported to have said. The fact is that many political proposals have become complex. Members of parliament, consultants and administrative staff are therefore dependent on external, practical know-how. Lobbyists act as an interface and translator between experts in the field and parliamentarians, who often have to obtain specific knowledge. The administration prepares draft legislation and responses to parliamentary procedural requests. Unfortunately, it often lacks the practical knowledge that is essential for effective legislation. Lobbyists build bridges between business, society, politics and administration. As a rule, council members form their opinion after discussions with proponents and opponents of a proposal. [print_link]