No case of corruption should be underestimated.

El Líbero, December 15, 2023

It is necessary for institutions to function, investigate, and impose sanctions. However, it is equally important, if not more so, that authorities assume their political responsibility and take the necessary actions to protect the State.

To spoil, damage, ruin… are some of the synonyms that the Royal Spanish Academy uses to refer to corruption. Concepts that, in the current political moment, are becoming increasingly relevant. The arrest of Daniel Andrade and Carlos Contreras has once again brought the Convenios Case to the headlines while opposition calls for resignations divert attention from the plebiscite this Sunday, the 17th.

However, the underlying problem behind the foundations is much more serious than some might think. Members of the governing coalition who, through their actions or omissions, have allowed corrupt actions to develop only succeed in undermining institutions, the State, and democracy in Chile. Essential aspects in the fight against crime, one of the top priorities for citizens.

Continuing with the definition provided by the dictionary, they ruin the trust that Chileans have in their leaders and institutions; they damage democracy, as it is built on that trust; and they spoil the State by deteriorating, another synonym used by the RAE, the rule of law.

Thinking of zero corruption is naive, but demanding relentless accountability from government leaders is the least that can be expected.It is necessary for institutions to function, investigate, and impose sanctions. This is the foundation from which to start. However, it is equally important, if not more so, that authorities assume their political responsibility and take the necessary actions to protect the State.

Why is this so important? Well, because in a context of security crisis where the protagonist is national organized crime and the challenges posed by transnational organized crime, a strong government fighting against corruption is the main disincentive for establishing itself in Chile.

Regarding the Convenios case, the spokesperson Minister said that “any progress in this investigation is also a blow to corruption.” Of course, progress is needed, but that is the work of the institutions. They investigate and impose sanctions; that is their purpose. What is required in cases like these is to feel the political commitment, that authorities inhabit the position, as they have often stated, and for that, they must assume the responsibility of the position they claim to occupy. Responsibility that comes with benefits and costs.

Corruption ranks fifth among the problems that require the most effort according to the CEP survey from October 2023. This aspect has also increased by 11 points between November-December 2022 and October-November 2023, rising from 14 to 25.

We have been slow to respond to the challenges in security matters. Let us not be late to the challenges posed by corruption,, as once it takes hold, crime accelerates and the deterioration of the State grows like a snowball rolling down a steep mountain.

Pilar Lizana
Researcher at AthenaLab

Source: El Líbero