Fundación por la Justicia adheres to the Joint Declaration in which there are 27 associations represented
Corruption continues to be a persistent shadow that looms over the public and private spheres, and at this moment, the European Union has made its eradication one of its main priorities. However, in a worrying turn, it has been proposed a law in the Parliament of the Balearic Islands that seeks to eliminate Office of Prevention and Fight against Corruption in the region. This move would not only weaken the rule of law, but also contradicts international commitments, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In line with the European concern to combat corruption, the General Directorate of Internal Affairs has promoted a recent package of anti-corruption measures and a Proposal for a Directive on the fight against corruption, currently in the processing phase. This initiative highlights the need to strengthen agencies specialized in the fight against corruption, a principle that goes against the proposal to eliminate the autonomous anti-corruption offices in the Balearic Islands.
Spain, at the regional level, has maintained an advanced position in anti-corruption measures, thanks to the existence of independent offices. The elimination of these offices, proposed in the law registered on October 9, 2023, would not only have significant political implications, but would also represent a departure from European policy in the fight against corruption. Civil society organizations are alarmed by this proposal and have expressed their concerns in a joint statement to which they have joined Foundation for Justice. We argue that the elimination of anti-corruption offices goes against the commitments established in the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which requires the necessary independence and resources for anti-corruption bodies at the national and subnational levels.
It is important to highlight that the regional Prevention and Fight against Corruption offices in Spain have proven to be specialized organizations, compatible with existing control bodies, and have contributed to reinforcing good practices in public administration. Additionally, they play a crucial role in protecting whistleblowers, a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability.
In this context, civil society organizations make an urgent call in their joint statement. We request the withdrawal or rejection of the proposed law, we advocate for the active participation of civil society in the adoption of anti-corruption measures, and we demand respect and guarantee of the independence of the autonomous bodies for the prevention and fight against corruption. Furthermore, we propose that whistleblower protection functions be assumed by existing offices, which have the required institutional independence.
At a time when corruption remains a global challenge, preserving and strengthening the institutions responsible for combating it is essential. Civil society, in its role as defender of justice and transparency, urges taking concrete measures to safeguard integrity and commitment against corruption in the Balearic Islands and, by extension, throughout Spain.