State of the figh against corruption in Spain

Abstract

In terms of anti-corruption initiatives, the year 2024 has shown a continuation of the same approach as in 2023. First and foremost, Spain has yet to implement a comprehensive, participatory national anti-corruption plan. In collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD), a Technical Commission has been engaged in the development of a National Anti-Fraud Strategy for the past two years. A draft National Anti-Corruption Strategy (ENAC) is currently in development, with an action plan being prepared under the direction of a body of the State Audit Office (the Servicio Nacional de Coordinación Antifraude). However, there has been no official communication regarding the work of the Technical Commission. In any case, the fifth additional provision of Law 2/2023, of February 20, regulating the protection of whistleblowers and the fight against corruption, requires the approval of an anti-corruption plan within six months. The deadline has not yet been met. Secondly, there has been no advancement in the adoption of legislation regarding lobbying, including the establishment of a mandatory public register of lobbyists. Third, there has been no progress on strengthening the rules on conflicts of interest and asset declarations of persons with top executive functions by reinforcing the sanctioning power of the Office for Conflicts of Interest. Fourth, there has been no progress on strengthening access to information, in particular via revision of the Law on Official Secrets, taking into account European standards on access to official documents. The organizations responsible for the prevention and fight against corruption are the same and continue with the traditional problems of their plurality, lack of coordination, and reduced autonomy from the government of the day.