“This space is dedicated to the work of a democratic parliament, not for corrupt bribers. We are protesting against the bribes of MNT 250 million,” the statement reads.

Representatives from the association alleged that the money would not be spent on what the MPs had proposed the money for.

“MPs are trying to spend this money in order to prepare for their 2008 elections, even though the money is for their districts…We consider that this is the biggest type of corruption,” said B. Enkhbold, editor of the politics section of the Odriin Sonin (Daily News) paper where the statement ran.

“Journalists and newspapers are the bridge between the government and the readers, so that page is dedicated to informing about a democratic parliament, which is why we posted it on my page.”

Since the preliminary passing of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party’s (MPRP) proposal November 21, the Democratic Party, People’s Party, National Soyombo Movement, Mongolian National Front Movement and now the Association of Daily Newspapers have all objected to the proposal.

“We are completely blaming the MPs for this 250 million. Parliament doesn’t have the authority to decide how to spend the budget. This decision is contradictory to parliament’s duties of only processing the laws,” A. Baatarkhuyag, head of the DP’s public relations, told MonInfo Thursday.

“Parliament members can’t see the whole state budget if they have this 250 million. This is a direct bribe; it is corruption. MPs are trying to control the government’s activity.”

However opposition party members may be rendered helpless if the issue is included in the budget vote, expected Thursday evening during parliament’s fourth day of discussion on the budget.

The MPRP, holding 39 of parliament’s 76 seats, introduced the bill and is still a staunch supporter, according to party officials.

“The MPRP is supporting this budget proposal as an investment for local areas. It doesn’t mean that MPs are taking this money for themselves,” D. Idevkhten, head of the MPRP faction in parliament told MonInfo Thursday. 

The proposal to grant every MP the money was passed during a parliamentary vote on sections of the budget on November 21, but must be passed again in the complete budget proposal.