Greece stuck at level 49 points in the Corruption Perceptions Index, which, according to the Head of Transparency International, François Valerian, reflects lack of real application of laws.
1 trillion euros – the price of global corruption
President Transparency International Francois Valerianarrived in Athens on Regional meeting of Europe and Central Asiastated that global corruption annually costs the planet’s economy approximately 1 trillion euro. In an interview, he noted that Europe is stuck in a state “legislative complacency” — there are laws, but their application remains selective.
“Governments have been effective in creating institutions and regulatory frameworks. What is now important is that these laws are actually enforced and that institutions have real independence and sufficient resources. Otherwise, the fight against corruption loses its meaning.”Valerian emphasized.
Greece remains stagnant
According to Corruption Perception IndexGreece’s score dropped from 52 to 49 in 2022 and has not changed since then. “Stagnation means there is no visible progress,” he explained. “This is a signal that international observers do not see the real application of anti-corruption standards.” According to him, success is only possible with the participation civil society and citizens themselves who are ready to report violations and participate in reforming the system.
Valeryan emphasized the importance of the independence of supervisory authorities: “If an institute has independence, but no funding, it is useless. And vice versa: resources without independence are also worthless.”
“Cryptocurrencies are the new offshores”
Speaking about the scale of financial losses, the head of Transparency International noted that corruption today has become global: money “flows” between countries and settles in luxury real estate and on the stock markets of developed countries – France, Great Britain, Switzerland, USA and Germany. “These are funds that are not enough for schools, hospitals and infrastructure”he noted.
According to Valeryan, modern forms of capital laundering are moving away from classic offshores: “Cryptocurrencies are the new offshores. They are faster, more efficient and less transparent than the old exotic island schemes.”
The social cost of mistrust
In addition to economic damage, corruption undermines trust in democratic institutions. “People stop believing that the system serves them. It destroys social bonds and strengthens cynicism.” – Valerian emphasized. He linked this crisis of confidence to the growth authoritarian tendencies in Europe: “Dangerous rhetoric claims that centralized power is supposedly more effective. History shows that such experiments always end badly.”.
Transparency International’s priorities
The organization focuses on two areas: combating concentration of power And opacity. This includes support for independent media, protection whistleblowers (whistleblowers) and promoting transparency initiatives such as mandatory registration of lobbyists. However, according to Valeryan, the implementation of the laws is slow, and whistleblowers continue to face threats and slander.
“The real fight against corruption is not about slogans. This is systemic work that requires courage, resources and independence,” – summed up the president of Transparency International.
PS François Valerian is apparently aware that the main corruption stems from the current government. And the people of Greece understand this very well. However, his position as head of Transparency International is apparently doesn’t allow me to point this out…
Then what is the point in these empty conversations?
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