The Council of Europe’s 49-member Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published two reports assessing Turkey’s record on preventing and combatting corruption. With few exceptions, GRECO notes a worrying lack of progress in many areas.
In the first report, GRECO expresses concern about fundamental structural changes that have taken place in Turkey recently, putting the independence of the judiciary from the executive and political powers at stake.
The report says the fact that the newly-established Council of Judges and Prosecutors is appointed by the President of the Republic and Parliament, and none of its members are elected by the judiciary itself, runs counter to the fundamental principle of an independent judiciary.
The second report expresses disappointment at the situation regarding transparency of political financing in Turkey. While the adoption of guidelines for the financial audit of political parties is a positive development, considerable progress is yet to be made on a large number of GRECO’s recommendations in this area – many of which focus on the adoption of new laws and practices on political contributions and expenditure, as well as public disclosure.
