Cover Osteuropa 11-12/2006

In Osteuropa 11-12/2006

Corrumpo, ergo sum
Corruption in the Polish State and Society

Maria Jarosz


Deutsche Fassung

Abstract

Corruption in the Polish State and Society Bribery, abuse of authority and nepotism are still widespread in Poland. The average citizen and the political elite consider corruption one of the largest problems facing society, a problem which destabilises the community and destroys citizens’ trust in politics. At the same time, corruption is largely accepted as a routine way of getting things done in politics and commerce and industry. The Kaczyński government has announced unequivocally its intention to fight corruption and has taken the first concrete steps. However, so long as no fundamental change in attitude takes place and a legal system full of loopholes continues to encourage corrupt behaviour, it will be impossible to get a handle on the problem.

(Osteuropa 11-12/2006, pp. 153–166)