Anti-corruption monitors have today published their first ever report on Liechtenstein.
The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) report shows a “clear need to improve awareness of situations that give rise to conflicts of interest” and reveals concern about the possibility for non-material bribes.
The report admits that building a modern judiciary in a country the size of Liechtenstein is always a challenge. It suggests that the appointment process concerning judges should be kept under review. New measures adopted in 2009 limit at present risks of interference in the prosecutors’ work but the Prince retains in principle the power to block and terminate any investigation or prosecution.
The GRECO report follows a corruption-busting push by the country’s authorities. In 2010, the country joined GRECO and ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Principality has also appointed specialists to design policies and to investigate effectively the various forms of corruption. These efforts complement those that are ongoing in the area of the prevention of money laundering.
