Fredbargate

A REPORT by the European Commission has labelled Spain as the most corrupt country in the EU.

Brussels has been left unimpressed and is urging the country to do more to crackdown on bent politicians after it discovered Spain is the largest contributor to the €120 billion that the EU loses to corruption each year.

Brussels slams Spain for being most corrupt country in the EU | Olive Press News Spain

davidinspain

with 95% perceiving corruption as a widespread problem and a part of their daily lives.
Can't really see how that could be true,but then it makes a better story I suppose.

amideislas

A decade ago, I'd have to agree somewhat with that view. It was not uncommon to engage in something dubious to get what you need (say, "buying" permission to build a pool or garage or "buying" a boletin), but mostly it was petty stuff; not paying iva or getting your ITV without a proper inspection.

But I can confidently say that those days are long gone. That stuff just isn't possible anymore. Gone.

Perhaps there's been the standard delay in analysing the data. But that's certainly not the reality on the ground.

olivefarmer

Avoiding IVA has maybe gone where you live. It is an everyday occurrence here especially on building materials and a big saving except to the state of course. The only thing I have had IVA on was lintels. The builders merchant apologised and said he has to pay IVA on them. What staggers me is that cement powder is non IVA'd . So surely the taxman must be aware of the quantities being produced, wholesaled and then sold on?

Still a lot of cash in hand transactions. I had two pumps repaired recently. Know the owner well and trust them. No receipt for either so that will be a cash transaction that never makes any books.

Had an exhaust welding repair done on Tuesday in Malaga (excellent tradesman by the way) and no receipt.

Had three metalista jobs done this year and not had a receipt or asked for one on them.

Another issue is the length of time (if ever) before corruption cases actually go to trial.

philat98

This headline must make Big Sam feel more comfortable in his villa on the Costa Brava.

snikpoh

I absolutely agree, a lot of money STILL changes hand around here.

EVERY tradesman has offered us to 'pay in black' and not have to pay the IVA - and I mean every trade!

We're supposed to be getting a new hospital in town. The site was chosen and a new bridge built and the ring-road extended. Then, so I'm led to believe, palms were crossed with silver and the proposed site moved elsewhere. It's now moved again to what we hope will be the final place before they actually start building it.

Loafing Along

A drive along the Costa del Sol will clearly demonstrate the problem and only now are the corrupt municipal employees and politicians actually going to trial. Coincides with the infamous Black Credit Cards used by Rodrigo Rato and all senior executives in the now defunct Caja Madrid.Even the Royal family have their problem "In Laws" . Anyone remember Francisco Camps and his handmade suits or Juan Antonio Roca and Operation Malaya that brought him down.€670 Million was the figure involved just in Marbella over a three year period.

lucilastic

At least Spain brings it all out into the open.Even the King´s sister has to appear in court.Remember the debacle about Prince Andrew in UK & a dodgy friend(or two) but can´t be investigated.

davidinspain

The quote was referring to the 95% of average men/woman on the street coming across corruption on a daily basis.Not the banner headline cases

davidinspain

Never happen in good old blighty.
Royal butler trial thrown out after intervention by Queen | Daily Mail Online

Loafing Along

Agreed and they see it everyday as ,apart from previous examples by others of cash businesses, they see poorly maintained public facilities, lack of street lights etc because the money has been stolen from the local government. That's why corruption is such an issue in the elections

rachelk

I was wondering if I'd be able to buy a passport?

davidinspain

I must be outrageously lucky then.Everything in the town I live in works and even though the last Alcalde was (it's alleged) playing the till like a piano.Reports of a daily effect are vastly overstated,It's a bit like saying the continuing UK MP's noses in the expenses trough has a daily effect on the UK population.And if corruption was a major issue in elections here Rajoy's party would not get anywhere near power.

Loafing Along

Rajoy's party is not in power, they have tried to get a majority twice and failed, maybe new elections on Christmas Eve . Thery have until the end of the first week of October to sort it out or Congress will be dissolved again.
Marbella's public accounts clearly show impact of years of thief, basically surviving on loans and not paying Social Security debts

Pulaski

Hang around for a day or two and there will be a post on BE, usually repeated on several forums, offering, passports, driving licences, birth certificates, etc. for sale.