Corruption in Paternalistic Democracy: Lessons from Italy for Latin America
Author(s)
Colazingari, Silvia
Abstract
Italy’s government, despite its apparent political and economic stability, is riddled with corruption at the highest level as highlighted by the Sergio Cusani trial during the nationalization of the chemical industry in 1990. The trial which was instigated by the Clean Hands anticorruption activities illustrate the ability of a businessman to empower himself and his company with the help of his collaborators in the government. The trial not only emphasized the role of prosecutors and judges’ independence in averting corruption, it also illustrates the Italians’ aversion of corruption.
