Do special interest groups threaten democracy?

Invitations to dinner, small presents, positions on the board of directors, political party financing: lobbyists try everything to influence lawmakers. Does this threaten the democratic system? Should the activities of special interest groups be regulated and limited?

Some people find lobbies useful in a democracy because they enable the representation of legitimate interests of all parts of society – including those ignored by politicians. Others, however, consider lobbies a dark art which is much more closely linked with corruption and specific economic interests. What role do lobbies play in your country?