Last update - 00:00 29/10/2007
ANALYSIS: A prime minister must be transparent about his health
By Ze'ev Segal, Haaretz Correspondent
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told reporters in a surprise news conference on Monday that he has been diagnosed with signs of prostate cancer. While a prime minister of Israel is not required by law to inform the public of his health condition, he is still bound by an obligation of transparency to constituents.
There have been a few legal initiatives to change this ambiguous law regarding the prime minister's obligation to inform the public about his health, but none of the bills raised in parliament have been pushed with any force.
The role of prime minister is also loaded with an obligation to be transparent when necessary toward the general public.
he more influence a public official holds and the higher his position in office, the greater is his obligation is to be clear and open to his constituents.
The Basic Law states that a prime minister is required to take temporary leave of office, a senior deputy prime minister - in this case, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni - is required to fill the position of premier.
The law also states that if the acting prime minister is forced to take temporary leave, then a minister who sits in Knesset - to be determined by Knesset - is to take on the position.
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