Bribery scandals in Greece's public sector show persistence of corruption
Posted on: Mar 27, 2025 18:17 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
By Yannis Souliotis and Renee Maltezou
athinai, - When hellene law raided the flat of a 49-year-old provision officer suspected of bribery on the tourist island of Rhodes last week, they found thousands of euros stashed in her pots and pans and even the cooker hood.
Dozens have been charged in the affair, the second case in recent months where officials are accused of taking bribes for building permits.
Despite growth of over 2% that is the envy of wealthier euro zone countries, the scandals show that the corruption that helped plunge Greece into a debt crisis 15 years ago is still shackling its economy and undermining trust in institutions.
Public sector corruption, including pork-barrel politics and bribery, costs Greece up to 14 billion euros a year, said Harry Papapanagos, professor of economics and vice president of Transparency International Greece.
"Corruption is costly in terms of growth, productivity, social prosperity," he said. "For Greece, such cases indicate that the cost is growing."
The cases are not all local. Mass protests last month on the anniversary of a deadly 2023 train crash attacked years of failure to address known problems. EU prosecutors have charged 14 Greek officials with subsidy fraud over a contract for railway safety systems.
Poor governance in turn undermines willingness to pay tax, harming state finances. Greece's shadow economy is among the highest in Europe at about 20% of GDP.
Transparency International ranked Greece as second worst in the euro zone for perceived corruption in 2024, and in a Eurobarometer survey last July, nearly a third of respondents said they knew someone who had been bribed.
In December, more than 100 people in northern Greece were charged in bribery cases, many of them town planners.
If there is hope for anti-graft campaigners, it lies in police data showing that complaints of corruption doubled last year.
The 49-year-old, who denies wrongdoing, was charged with participation in a criminal group receiving bribes of up to 100,000 euros for illegal building permits, court documents showed.
In May 2024, a letter to police had accused Rhodes planning officials of enjoying luxury cars and foreign travel beyond their means, adding: "Their greed has no limit."
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.