Greeks grease palms, expect drop in graft
The state health service, political parties, tax officials and the media top Greeks’ list of perceived corruption, according to a global survey published yesterday by the Transparency International graft watchdog. At the other end of the corruption business, one in 10 Greek respondents admitted to having bribed some official at some point over the past year – the highest percentage in the 25-member European Union, after the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, the majority voiced optimism that matters will improve in the near future. The survey canvassed 64 countries and in most cases political parties were perceived as occupying the top of the corruption ladder. In Greece, the public health service held this unenviable position. The figures were published on the occasion of yesterday’s United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day.
