NGO criticises government’s anti-corruption strategy

Critics say it is easy for lobbyist to influence the government and its administration preparing documents for draft laws that will be discussed in parliament. © Keystone/Peter Klaunzer

The Swiss government has approved its first anti-corruption policy paper, but a leading NGO says the paper is too timid.

The strategy objectives for the next four years include prevention measures, the prosecution of corruption cases and international cooperation, according to a statement published on Wednesday.

The government is planning to boost cooperation with cantonal and local authorities as well as with the private sector and civil society.

It also pledged to update the strategy at the end of 2024 following the regular anti-corruption reviews by the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Council of Europe.

Doubts about efficiency

NGO Transparency InternationalExternal link welcomed the paper but expressed doubts about its efficiency and scope.

It criticised the lack of measures against lobbying and the limited powers of an anti-corruption working group made up of representatives from different government ministries.

Transparency International also pointed out the lack of regulations to prevent former government ministers and senior officials from the federal administration from taking jobs in the private sector.

The NGO said the government’s strategy had a very limited impact. “The new measures do not go beyond the obligations already in place,” it said. It also criticised the fact that it took the government about ten years to present the paper.