New Code of Ethics for Greek Political Elite

A new code of ethics for the members of Cabinet was published earlier this week in Greece's Official Government Gazette and the Transparency Program that apparently safeguards the transparency of government actions. The code is one of the prior actions Greece has to complete to qualify for further bailout funding and prohibits ministers and their relatives and friends from engaging in business practices that could be considered as a clash of interests.

The new code of ethics also disallows ministers from engaging in any business activity linked to their government post, for a two-year period after they leave their post. This also applies to ministers’ spouses, close relatives or third parties with close links to the outgoing minister.

Sounds great on paper, but it should be noted that the code of conduct, overseen by the national anti-corruption coordinator, Yiannis Tentes, is not legally binding but provides ethical guidelines which government members have to follow.