Gibraltar Takes a Major Step Towards Anti-Corruption Compliance with Establishment of First Ever Authority
Gibraltar has made a significant move towards strengthening its anti-corruption framework by establishing its first ever Anti-Corruption Authority through a landmark legislation passed by the government. This new authority will be responsible for investigating and preventing corruption in the public sector, making Gibraltar compliant with international standards set by the United Nations Convention and Commonwealth Principles on anti-corruption.
Key Features of the New Law
- Introduces extended legal provisions to protect whistleblowers who report corruption cases to the authorities
- Defines specific offences related to nepotism and cronyism, as well as fraud and misconduct in public office
- Comes into effect immediately, introducing new laws to prevent and investigate corruption
Government’s Stance on the New Law
The government Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo KC MP, hailed the legislation as a major achievement, stating that it will help move Gibraltar forward on issues of probity and standards in public life. The authority will be responsible for investigating allegations of corruption and ensuring that those found guilty are held accountable.
Criticism from the Opposition Party
The opposition party has criticized the new law, claiming that the government is seeking to grant itself excessive powers. However, Picardo countered these claims, stating that all actions taken by the authority are reviewable by a court of law.
Comprehensive Anti-Corruption Efforts in Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s anti-corruption efforts have been praised for their comprehensive nature, with existing laws already covering: * Undeclared conflicts of interest * Fraud * Misconduct in public office * Procurement rules that are among the toughest in the world
Welcome from Corruption Watchdogs
The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Authority has been welcomed by corruption watchdogs, who have long called for stronger measures to prevent and investigate corruption in Gibraltar. The authority will be responsible for investigating allegations of corruption and ensuring that those found guilty are held accountable.
Call to Action for Citizens
Picardo urged all citizens with evidence of corruption to come forward and report it to the authorities, stating that this is essential to moving Gibraltar forward on anti-corruption efforts. He also emphasized the importance of the authority’s independence, with members to be appointed by the Specified Appointments Commission rather than the Chief Minister.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Authority marks a significant milestone in Gibraltar’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability in public life. It is expected that the authority will play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s high standards of probity and upholding its reputation as a corrupt-free jurisdiction.