Democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. F.D.Roosevelt
Monday, 3 February 2014
Unit 4: EU Corruption
The extent of corruption in Europe is
"breathtaking" and it costs the EU economy at least 120bn euros (£99bn)
annually, the European Commission says. Click here to access full article from the BBC.
Although the UK falls within the 10-19% bracket, surely this is a cause for concern for the electorate (who are informed in EU politics), and may create a relatively large boost for Euroscepticism? Our economy still isn't recovered, and inflation still resides over 2% (despite fantastic recovery figures in this year and the last) - the UK can't afford to be effectively spending their share of 100bn pounds (or more) on corruption?! One the one hand, if the government handles this strongly and efficiently, the Conservatives may well receive a massive popularity boost for the May 2015 election - especially if inflation rate progress continues if it has done. On the other, if this continues - particularly if Scotland becomes independent and Westminster loses out on their tax income - surely there will be a massive increase in popularity for out-of-Europe causes, not least UKIP. I think we might finally see Cameron take a definitive stance on Europe, and see which side of the EU debate he takes - it could be pivotal to the 2015 general election.
Although the UK falls within the 10-19% bracket, surely this is a cause for concern for the electorate (who are informed in EU politics), and may create a relatively large boost for Euroscepticism? Our economy still isn't recovered, and inflation still resides over 2% (despite fantastic recovery figures in this year and the last) - the UK can't afford to be effectively spending their share of 100bn pounds (or more) on corruption?!
ReplyDeleteOne the one hand, if the government handles this strongly and efficiently, the Conservatives may well receive a massive popularity boost for the May 2015 election - especially if inflation rate progress continues if it has done. On the other, if this continues - particularly if Scotland becomes independent and Westminster loses out on their tax income - surely there will be a massive increase in popularity for out-of-Europe causes, not least UKIP. I think we might finally see Cameron take a definitive stance on Europe, and see which side of the EU debate he takes - it could be pivotal to the 2015 general election.