A crisis, especially one of the magnitude of the present pandemic, puts residents’ faith in their government to the test. While citizens were dealing with the COVID-19 issue, many politicians in the European Union (EU) discovered new ways to consolidate their money and power by collaborating with companies, curtailing civic freedoms, and avoiding anti-corruption legislation.
Although much of this took place behind closed doors, citizens were aware that resources were being skewed in favour of particular powerful groups rather than being used for the greater benefit. And the results of the Global Corruption Barometer – EU 2021, which polled over 40,000 people in all 27 EU nations about their thoughts and experiences with corruption, reflect their beliefs. The findings cast doubt on the EU’s pristine image.
Lack of public trust in political institutions has serious consequences.
Public judgments of low political integrity were particularly surprising. Political integrity refers to a system in which decision-makers consistently use their power for the greater benefit rather than to protect private interests or powerful people’ money or positions.
Around half of EU citizens believe that firms routinely use bribery or connections to gain government contracts; less than a third believe that their leaders consider their opinions when making decisions; and more than half believe that their government is governed by a few special interests.
Transparency International’s latest working paper examines public perceptions of political integrity – the extent to which EU people believe decision-makers use their authority for the common good – based on these alarming findings. We also address the causes and consequences of public perceptions of political integrity.
