The Venezuelan corruption is a perfect example for
understanding how Oligarchs and Clans (a category assigned by Michael
Johnston in “Syndromes of Corruption) fosters corrupt activities. As we have
already noticed, corruption in Venezuela can be clearly understood on the lines
of former President Hugo Chavez’s authoritarian regime. Though he introduced
various socialistic measures for the benefit of his citizens, but one cannot
forget that it was primary due to the ill management of his government that the
nation’s economy in 2014 was adversely crippled in the form of inflation of
56%.
To understand the
socio-political scenario of the country in current context, I would like to
look at how the country has performed so far after under the leadership of new
President Nicolas Maduro. In a recent study by the organization Insight
Crime, we find that about $350 billion is missing from the state treasury.
This only emphasizes on how deeply the system of corruption is seated in the
nation. The Panama Papers affair too has brought Venezuela in limelight. The
name of former President’s security chief at the presidential palace i.e.
Adrian Jose Velasquez Figueroa surfaced in the leaked documents. This can be
considered a huge scandal because until he left the Venezuelan Armed forces,
his income was $200 per month and now he has offshore accounts in Switzerland
and Dominican Republic. He is said to have amassed property worth $400,000 and
further $1.6 million being labeled as personal assets.
Before providing
any anti corruption schemes, let’s get an overview of the existing anti
corruption measures put in place bu the Venezuelan government. Despite the
current anti corruption law providing provisions for stringently dealing with
extortion, money laundering,etc. we see that framework in place is rather weak
because it does not have measures on transnational bribery
and embezzlement. It also is unable to keep check and balance on its
government officials itself. Another drawback is centralization of power during
Chavez's tenure. This move led to elimination of important checks and balances
in the state system which further enhanced the overall vulnerability to
corruption.
By looking at both
the existing anti-corruption law in place and the revelations by Panama Paper
as well as Insight Crime, we understand that there is a dire need to foremost
strengthen institutions in order to combat economic corruption within the
decaying system. Secondly, the state should establish an anti corruption agency
which doesn’t fall under the purview of the ruling government/ higher
government officials. Thirdly, the clause of disclosure of assets and
liabilities by public officials needs to pushed forth rigorously in order to
curb indulgences in corrupt practices at all government levels. Fourthly, the
process of disseminating information regarding governance issues to public
should be incorporated so that it ensures that the citizens then are in
positions to exert influence on elected representatives to fulfill their
assigned roles.
References :
3.http://www.pulseheadlines.com/panamapapersvenezuelaimpressiverecordcompaniestaxhavens/23968/
5.Johnston, Michael,“Syndromes of
Corruption”, Cambridge University Press.
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