Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, parliaments were forced to respond quickly with extraordinary measures to mitigate both the health and financial impacts of the crisis. To allow parliaments to better assess and implement informed policies in times of future crisis, this resource provides guidance on economic responses as exemplified by relief measures adopted during the pandemic, particularly emphasizing those targeting vulnerable groups such as informal workers and women. The resource also highlights key issues, such as accountability and oversight of emergency measures, the importance of parliament’s role in the budget process, and other considerations to mitigate the risk of corruption in emergency responses. Finally, the paper considers key guidelines for parliamentarians for the effective implementation and management of budgetary responses to emergency situations.

This report was produced by the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute (NDI).