Who We Are?
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel For almost 34 years, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG) has been at the forefront of preserving Israel’s democracy. An independent, non-partisan grassroots movement, MQG has evolved into one of Israel’s largest and most effective public interest organizations, with more than 70,000 members exposing public corruption and regulatory flaws and actively promoting the rule of law and better government. MQG works for the people and is accountable solely to its primary stakeholder – the public.
MQG is the only organization in Israel using all tactics available to defend Israel’s democratic ethos and energize the public to act. Our approach combines direct litigation, legislative activism, youth education, and grassroots engagement:
Fighting Corruption: MQG is on alert to expose and prevent public misdeeds (both national and local) that violate Israel’s legal and constitutional safeguards. MQG is the primary opponent of the government’s attempts to curb the power of the judiciary, spearheading the fight in the legal and civic arenas and halting the Judicial Overhaul.
Policy and Legislation: We are constantly on duty in the Knesset, composing and promoting bills and policies that will preserve Israel’s democracy, advocating for streamlined government operations, and the elimination of superfluous government offices in times of emergency.
Safeguarding Public Funds: MQG safeguards and promotes the proper use of public funds and resources, placing special emphasis on fighting the corrosive effects of money in politics and working to expose market and industry issues caused by governmental mismanagement such as high market concentration. In 2023, MQG returned 2 billion NIS to the public in dividends.
Campaigns for and by the People: MQG’s reputation for independence and efficacy enables us to give a voice to the people in their fight against cronyism and corruption. MQG organizes large-scale public campaigns and promotes legislative changes for and on behalf of the public.
Training and Educating: MQG educates, inspires, and builds the capacity of young people throughout Israel to join the fight to sustain Israel’s democracy. We work in high schools, youth group movements, and pre-army gap-year programs, offering an in-depth understanding of Israel’s democratic challenges and practical tools for civic activism.
Protecting Whistleblowers: Citizens use the hotline to report hundreds of anti-democratic violations per year, allowing our legal team to impact urgent issues as they arise, representing and assisting whistleblowers in their struggle.
Past Achievements
MQG pioneered the exposure of secret coalition agreements, leading to public awareness before government approval and preventing underhanded political maneuvers.
MQG’s legal efforts compelled the removal of a minister facing serious charges, establishing a precedent requiring the prime minister to dismiss indicted ministers, ensuring accountability.
Through persistent legal and protest actions, MQG drove the passage of laws promoting competition, reducing centralization, and enhancing economic competitiveness in Israel.
MQG’s petition repealed discriminatory legislation, ensuring equal enforcement of security service laws and promoting fairness in military recruitment.
MQG’s extensive public campaign compelled the establishment of a State Commission of Inquiry into the Second Lebanon War, holding authorities accountable for their actions.
MQG’s advocacy resulted in amendments expanding whistleblower protection in various laws, including extending the statute of limitations and safeguarding those who expose wrongdoing.
MQG effectively utilized protests, from the Balfour demonstrations to resisting anti-democratic laws, becoming a prominent voice in national movements and advocating against corruption.
MQG fiercely opposed anti-democratic laws, employing legal and protest strategies to preserve Israel’s democratic fabric and protect citizens’ rights.
MQG initiated the “Constitution for the Homeland” campaign, aiming to establish a comprehensive constitution for Israel, ensuring the preservation of human rights and democratic values for all citizens.