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Chile Takes Major Steps to Combat Corruption

Santiago, Chile - In a significant effort to combat corruption and increase transparency in government, Chile’s President sent four draft laws to Congress on December 6, 2006.

Public Procurement Reform

One of the key initiatives is a draft law aimed at strengthening the public procurement system established in 2003. The new law would:

  • Extend compulsory compliance to a broader range of public entities and activities
  • Ensure that all acquisitions over approximately US$50 are made through the government’s procurement website, www.chilecompra.cl

Modernizing Auditing Entity

The President also sent a draft law to modernize the Contraloría General de la República, Chile’s official auditing entity. The proposed changes aim to:

  • Introduce significant reforms
  • Increase transparency in government spending

Whistleblower Protection

Another key initiative is a draft law aimed at protecting whistleblowers who report irregularities or corruption acts. The legislation would provide protection against unjustified treatment for public officials who come forward with information about wrongdoing, ensuring that those who speak out are not penalized.

Transparency and Access to Information

The President also sent a draft law regulating access to information of public entities, making active transparency an obligation.

Corruption Perception Index

According to Transparency International’s 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index, Chile ranked:

  • 89.8
  • While the country’s ranking in the World Bank Institute’s Worldwide Governance Indicators for 2006 was:
    • 83.0

APEC Rankings

In a regional comparison, Chile’s ranking in the APEC economies’ control of corruption indicator was:

  • 7th
  • With a score of 89.3

These initiatives demonstrate Chile’s commitment to combating corruption and increasing transparency in government. The country’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on its international reputation and contribute to a more transparent and accountable public sector.

Sources:

  • Transparency International
  • World Bank Institute – Worldwide Governance Indicators for 2006