The many recent political scandals still do not give a good picture of domestic politics. Irmgard Griss, co-founder of the anti-corruption referendum, does not report properly to the government on the occasion of World Anti-Corruption Day. In an open letter to the federal government and parliamentary parties, the initiative is now urging a “relaunch”.
Politicians have it in their hands to change the way corruption is dealt with, Irmgard Griss warned government officials in Ö1’s “Morgenjournal”. “There were attempts, but that is all far too little. This must finally be finished.” Some proposals for the referendum have already been worked out by the government, but have not yet been decided and are therefore not effective.
Changes are purely a matter of setting
From the so-called Ibiza affair, to party financing, to the controversial chats that have reached the highest levels of government – there is certainly plenty to do. The former president of the Supreme Court is particularly dissatisfied with the fact that the responsibility for official secrecy is being passed on to the federal states and municipalities.
They would be afraid of the effort: “Why doesn’t Austria create something that has long been standard in many other countries? You have to say – a certain amount of corruption has set in in many areas. ‘I’ll give you something, you give me something’” – changing something here is a matter of attitude, an attitude.
The awareness among the population has been there for a long time
In the open letter, co-initiator Martin Kreutner also insists that “a broad public awareness” is finally needed to “finally give the subject the attention” it deserves. That the action against corruption has long since reached the population is not only evidenced by the widespread support of the associated referendum, which was supported by some 300,000 people in the country.
A recently published survey also points to the need for action in this area – again, the majority of those surveyed saw the fight against corruption as one of the most important issues.
Corruption is not only unfair, but also expensive
Griss sees that too little is being done not only as a bad signal to people, it is even “an insult”. If you want to look yourself in the mirror as a politician in the future, you have to say, “You have to remedy such grievances,” Griss continued.
The disadvantages would eventually affect everyone in the country: “They are gigantic, cost a lot, prevent the state from being well governed and everyone having their rights and opportunities,” Griss continues.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
