1 November 2012
Italy’s “ill wind” is producing change. Expanding corruption, seemingly unaffected by generations of democratic government may now be contained by legislation promoted by the technocrats who comprise the Mario Monti administration. An anti corruption law enacted yesterday establishes a powerful investigative commission to target the €60 billion lost to government each year.
The penalties for corruption are increased and anyone convicted of corruption will be banned from public office. There is anonymity for whistle blowers. Agencies must have active anti corruption plans and their budgets and the cost of public works must be published on their websites.
Transparency International reports that the law seems to have ”… the elements required to overcome the rampant cronyism and influence peddling in Italian politics.”
The new law establishes
- An anti-corruption body
- More accountable agencies with each required to appoint an anti-corruption manager responsible for anti-corruption plans, and addressing any corruption-related loss of revenue.
- Data publication obligations, including the agency budget and salaries of senior staff.
- Anti-corruption training for agency staff.
- Simplified prosecutions and increased penalties in line with OECD recommendations.
- Broader corruption definition that outlaws cronyism and bribery in business.
http://blog.transparency.org/2012/10/30/italy-corruption-vote-new-law-new-start/
Integrity Talking Points 