Fredbargate

Spain plummets in corruption ranking to among worst in EU

Spain plummets in corruption ranking to among worst in EU - The Local

rspltd

No real surprise there. Politicians seem to have their consciences removed when they achieve office. It will be interesting if this happens to Podemas and Cuidanios. When we lived in the Canaries we avoided the Greenfly(police) as they were known as they always concentrated on and found traffic offences towards the end of the month. No receipt given of course!

Retired in Euskadi

I'm afraid I can't help but notice that much of the corruption in the country is more in the south than the north; we're not free of it of course here.
Something to do with the Mediterranean?
Don't know; my father came from Malta, also in the Med and there wasn't/isn't the corruption there that there seems to be here.

cricketman

The South and North of Europe have very different cultures

Basically in the North there is a more established power base, so corruption tends to happen legally to benefit those people who already have the power e.g. awarding of billion dollar contracts to school friends, company directorships going to politicians who voted in their favour, campaign donations etc. Everything to make sure those in power make lots of money and keep the power - and those outside of that circle do not

In the South of Europe, corruption is based on an "every man for himself" mentality i.e while you have some power make sure you steal while you get the chance!

But at the end of the day, those in power are self-serving, always have been and most probably always will be. Low levels of official corruption does not make society fair or more democratic

I was hoping Podemos was going to be a game changer in Spain and in fact for the whole of Europe, but I see that Pablo Iglesias already has four official job titles and raking in over EUR100k per year (while saying that he would only accept a salary of 1.5k euros per month), so it seems like he is a lier like the rest of them

ononno

Don't worry, be happy; the 2 worst are Italy & Bulgaria in that order.

amideislas

I don't know about the official figures, but 10 years ago corruption was highly visible everywhere here. Everything had an "under the table" option. You could get away with almost anything if you knew who to pay. Routinely offered a purchase "with or without" IVA. The police routinely milked cash from unsuspecting tourists / foreigners for dubious "violations", and would even seize vehicles to extort payments.

I have to say, this has been on the decline for 10 years, and today, it's almost unheard of. Dozens of local politicians, "civil servants", and private company chiefs involved in these scams have gone to jail.

There are still a few government-complicit scams, and again, I can't dispute the figures, but the difference on the street is quite visible.

amideislas

Far more distrust of government in the south. Study history, you'll see why.

amideislas

What difference does his salary make? Is only a "poor" leader acceptable? €100k doesn't exactly make him "rich" these days.

No surprise, though, Podemos' entire manifesto is based on a Marxist premise, which, while intended to "equalise" social classes, has historically only served to divide them into working class and ruling class.

The working class of course, ultimately ends up as a submissive peasant population, whilst the ruling class of course, being immune to the limitations of the working class, accumulates the bulk of the wealth. But don't take my word for it, look at every one in them in history and judge for yourself.

One thing always remains constant, however; humans will always aspire to prosper. Even if they denounce prosperity for others. And that is where Marxism always fails.

Dick Dasterdly

With Rajoys gagging order still in place the media are frightened of their own shadows and daren't get too involved or say too much, but I don't think the situation is much better than it was ten years back with lots of investigations still incomplete.
I see a few more P.P. skeletons are falling out of cupboards in Valencia, though I don't hold out great hopes of justice after the previous massive corruption whitewash.
It's a crying shame the main parties weren't completely wiped out at the December election, especially Rajoys heartless bunch of dodgy cowboys, but unfortunately much of the Spanish public have come to look upon corruption as an everyday way of doing business

amideislas

Funny you should take that position because, well, Rajoy is sort of ... well, on your side, and in fact, has rather illustrated the benefits of what you rant ...

Just sayin'

Dick Dasterdly

I speak as I find Ami.
Just because I normally hang out right of centre doesn't mean I'd back scumbags like Rajoy.

I believe first and foremost in free speech and the gagging laws of Rajoy are an absolute disgrace IMO, little better than back in Francos day.

In addition his uncaring attitude to those thrown out of their homes onto the streets and the fact that "the P.P.is rotten to the core" as mentioned in the link below, makes me put decency and principles far far in front of my political leanings.


Spanish post-election pacts: PP corruption cases set to hinder negotiations with Ciudadanos | In English | EL PAÍS

amideislas

Funny though, you still haven't been arrested.

Dick Dasterdly

Well they did try once, but I claimed diplomatic immunity and promised I'd have a word with Cameron about Gibraltar.

cricketman

There is nothing wrong with someone earning €100k, unless of course you have spent the whole election campaign promising the electorate that you would only be earning €20k because to earn any more would be "stealing from the people"

amideislas

And that somehow surprises you? Isn't "war of the classes" the socialist national anthem? Or is it "live long, but don't prosper"? Many true believers will tell you both tunes have a divine melody, but outside the church, most don't really sing them.