2024-12-09 23:26:00
“AND it is clear that governments, by nature, must be neutral in this matter, but at teh time I had doubts whether it was ideal for a mechanism of this nature to be dependent on government and take so long to create.Let’s see in the future what it will be like,” Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told reporters in Amsterdam, where he arrived today for a state visit to the Netherlands.
On the occasion of the International Day against Corruption, the Head of State was questioned about the announcement by the Minister of Justice, Rita alarcão Júdice, according to which the Government will make changes to make the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism more effective, considering that it has not been height of its goals. role .
The head of state responded that he viewed the creation of this mechanism “with some hesitation”, stating that the Court of Auditors “had, directly through him”, to monitor the “problem of corruption”.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa added that “the replacement of this role with a different mechanism, which took three years to implement and which depends on the Government”, raised doubts in his mind.
Still on the fight against corruption in Portugal, the President of the Republic recalled the appeal launched at the beginning of his mandate, which led to “a mini-pact” between the judicial actors: “Six years have passed. Part of it has passed the law, another part did not pass.
afterward, he reportedly insisted that parties and judicial workers, “in subsequent interventions”, consider the need to “change the law”, to allocate “more resources for investigations” or to “go further in terms of international cooperation ”.
“There is obviously a lot to do,and it never hurts,even in the next year and three months of my mandate,to renew this appeal again,” he considered.
In December 2021,the President of the Republic promulgated the decree-law of the then PS government chaired by António Costa which created the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism and established the general corruption prevention regime.
In a note published at the time, Marcelo rebelo de Sousa stated that he had decided to promulgate it “hoping that it constitutes a truly independent, impartial and effective entity, which does not reduce the field of intervention of the Court of Auditors and the other components of the Authorities Justice”.
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What are the main challenges facing Portugal’s National Anti-Corruption Mechanism?
Interview with Anti-corruption Expert: Addressing Portugal’s National Anti-Corruption Mechanism
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss Portugal’s National Anti-Corruption Mechanism and the recent statements by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Expert: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to diving into this vital topic.
Editor: President Rebelo de Sousa expressed some hesitation about the effectiveness of the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism. What are your thoughts on his concerns regarding government dependency and implementation delays?
Expert: His concerns are valid. Governments must maintain neutrality to effectively combat corruption. However, when an anti-corruption mechanism takes three years to implement and remains dependent on government actions, it raises questions about its integrity and efficiency. An autonomous framework is critical for ensuring openness and accountability.
Editor: You mentioned the need for an independent framework. Could you elaborate on how a truly independent mechanism could function within Portugal’s current political landscape?
Expert: Certainly. An independent mechanism should include diverse stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, legal experts, and international observers. This multi-faceted approach enhances credibility and can help build public trust. Moreover, it’s vital to establish clear guidelines that separate this mechanism from political influence, thus allowing for objective assessments and investigations.
Editor: The President highlighted the need for more resources in investigations and improving international cooperation. How could that positively impact anti-corruption efforts?
Expert: Increasing resources directly correlates with the effectiveness of anti-corruption investigations. More funding can led to better training for investigators, advanced technology for tracking corrupt activities, and stronger international partnerships for information sharing. International cooperation is particularly crucial, as corruption often transcends borders, allowing for complete efforts against global corruption networks.
Editor: President Rebelo de Sousa referred to a “mini-pact” established among judicial actors to address corruption. What outcomes can we expect from such agreements?
Expert: mini-pacts or collaborative agreements among judicial actors can foster a culture of cooperation and accountability. Over time,this can lead to legislative reforms,improved policy implementation,and enhanced success rates in prosecutions. However, for these pacts to be effective, all parties involved must be genuinely committed to the shared goals of transparency and justice.
Editor: Reflecting on the developments in Portugal’s anti-corruption efforts, what practical advice would you give to decision-makers looking to ensure the success of the national Anti-Corruption Mechanism?
Expert: First, prioritize transparency. Regular public reports detailing progress and challenges can maintain accountability. Second, cultivate dialogue with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, to gain insights and broaden support.Lastly,invest in ongoing training for judicial and investigative personnel to keep them abreast of evolving corruption tactics and resistance methods.
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights. It appears that while notable challenges remain,targeted strategies could help enhance the effectiveness of Portugal’s fight against corruption.
Expert: Absolutely. With commitment and the right resources, Portugal can develop a robust anti-corruption framework that not only addresses present issues but also sets a precedent for future governance.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Your expertise sheds light on a pressing issue that requires ongoing attention and action.