The fight against corruption continues without progress in Portugal, one of the countries in Europe with the most failures in terms of political integrity, the national office of Transparency International (TI) has warned.
The analysis comes in a statement on the publication of the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, which is published annually and which this year ranks Portugal 34th out of 180 countries with a score of 61. Topping the list are Denmark and Finland.
Portugal, which ranks among countries in Western Europe and the European Union, returns to its 2020 score, its worst since 2012, and remains below the regional average of 65 points.
The report, as noted by the Portuguese branch of TI (a coalition of non-governmental anti-corruption organizations based in Berlin), “ranks Portugal among the countries in Europe that fail most” in terms of political integrity.
Recalling the case that led to the resignation of the Prime Minister (“Operation Influencer”) as an example of “how political integrity scandals continue,” TI Portugal states that rules regarding conflict of interest, ethics and transparency in the conduct of public activities , functions and in lobbying activities.
TI is calling on Portugal to make stricter regulation at this level a priority on the political agenda after years of delays.
Quoted in the document, TI Portugal President Margarida Mano states that the Index results “show that it is not enough for a country to have a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, it is important that it be effective in the fight against corruption.” “.
“When citizens in general and international organizations do not understand or find evidence of the impact of existing laws and mechanisms, they cannot trust governments and institutions. There is also a significant public interest in ensuring transparency and fairness. as the accountability of government and political officials regarding enacted policies and legislation. It is important to have effective actions,” says Margarida Mano.
TI’s analysis of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 shows how injustice and corruption impact each other around the world.
The statement also said that “both authoritarian regimes and democratic leaders who undermine justice contribute to the growth of impunity for corruption and, in some cases, even encourage it by eliminating consequences for offenders.”
“Corruption will continue to flourish until the judiciary is able to punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check. When justice is bought or interfered with by political forces, people suffer. Leaders must fully invest in and guarantee the independence of the institutions that protect the time has come to end impunity for corruption,” TI President Francois Valerian said in a statement.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal

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