“Very widespread”: Switzerland has a problem with nepotism

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Switzerland may be internationally known for its neutrality and stability. But when it comes to fighting corruption, we seem to be at a dead end. According to Transparency International’s current Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Switzerland ranks sixth. Although it is once again in the top 10, it stagnates at 82 out of a possible 100 points. The score achieved corresponds to that of 2022, Transparency International announced on Tuesday.

The high values ​​indicate low sensitivity to corruption. Nevertheless, Switzerland has made little progress in areas relevant to corruption that are not covered by the CPI, the report said. There are particular shortcomings in the fight against money laundering, corruption in the private sector, the prosecution of companies and the protection of whistleblowers.

“Very widespread nepotism”

Switzerland “must improve the way it deals with conflicts of interest and the regulation of lobbying at all three federal levels, and also take measures to combat nepotism, which is still widespread,” said Martin Hilti, Managing Director of Transparency Switzerland.

Also in this country, “criminally relevant corruption cases continue to arise, as recently happened in the city of Biel, where employees of the migration office are suspected of issuing residence permits in exchange for money and sexual acts,” Hilti said in a report. interview with Keystone-SDA news agency. The biggest problem in Switzerland is nepotism, i.e. “associations and related conflicts of interest”. Lobbying is “basically unregulated” in Switzerland, Hilti continued.

Corruption remains widespread worldwide

The CPI 2023 published on Tuesday confirmed that corruption remains widespread worldwide. Unfortunately, overall there are no significant improvements from the previous year. More than two-thirds of the countries surveyed still did not achieve even 50 of the maximum possible 100 points. The average remains unchanged at around 43 points. Somalia will come last in 2023, while Denmark remains at the top. Sweden ranks sixth together with Switzerland.

The CPI was launched in 1995 as a global indicator to measure the perception of corruption in the public sector around the world. It now covers 180 countries. The assessments for the individual countries are made by experts from academia and business.

(oco/SDA)

Source:Blick