Fight against corruption: France must do better

In a report published today, GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body, calls on France to improve the effectiveness and practical application of measures to prevent corruption within the executive (President of the Republic, ministers, private office members and senior civil servants) as well as in the National Police and the National Gendarmerie.
While noting some positive legislative developments to strengthen transparency in public life and integrity within the executive, notably the setting up of the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life, the French Anti-corruption Agency and the National Financial Prosecution Office, the reports highlights some grey areas where further efforts are needed. GRECO is also aware of the growing expectations of the French public as to the exemplary conduct of members of the executive.
While welcoming the adoption of a multi-annual anti-corruption plan to systematise the detection of corruption risks and their prevention within ministries, the report calls for the plan to be extended to cover the Private Office of the President of the Republic. More...