Council of Europe Exposes Corruption and Financial Crime in Liechtenstein Government Institutions

Strasbourg, 16 December 2020

The Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body, GRECO, has published two scathing reports on Liechtenstein’s efforts to combat corruption in its government institutions. The reports highlight a series of shortcomings and recommend significant reforms to prevent corruption among members of parliament, judges, and prosecutors.

Shortcomings and Recommendations

• Prevention of Corruption among Members of Parliament:
  • GRECO identifies areas where Liechtenstein falls short in its fight against corruption.
  • Recommends increasing transparency in the legislative process.
  • Adoption of a code of conduct for parliamentarians.
  • Disclosure of conflicts of interest.
• Judges and Prosecutors:
  • GRECO calls on Liechtenstein to give greater weight to the judiciary in the selection process.
  • Adoption of a judicial code of conduct.
  • Provision of training on integrity matters.
  • Study of full professionalization of all judges and limiting the number of part-time judges.

Party Funding Transparency

• GRECO Report: Liechtenstein has implemented 17 out of 20 recommendations made in 2016, but expresses disappointment with the lack of financial supervision by an independent public authority.
• Revised Law on Party Funding: Seen as a step forward in providing greater clarity and transparency.

Wake-Up Call for Liechtenstein’s Government Institutions

The reports serve as a wake-up call for Liechtenstein’s government institutions, which must now take concrete steps to address these issues and prevent corruption from taking hold. GRECO has invited the authorities to report on progress made by the end of March 2022.

Conclusion

The publication of these reports is a crucial step in the fight against corruption and financial crime in Liechtenstein, and serves as a reminder that transparency and accountability are essential components of a healthy democracy.