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Once again, citizens witness acts of corruption in a mayor’s office. Billions of stolen pesos add to the long list of criminal acts committed by political and institutional elites. In the shadowy corridors of power, where decisions shape nations, a sinister actor often lurks unnoticed: corruption. This insidious force, denied or minimized by authorities, thrives in the dark corners of state institutions. This poses a formidable threat not only to the integrity of governments, but also to the very fabric of society. Corruption is a global scourge that transcends borders and affects rich and poor nations. But its effects are much more pernicious than simple financial crimes; Corruption is a catalyst for crime, a pernicious incentive and a lifeline for drug trafficking and common crime networks.
Corruption manifests itself in many forms in state institutions, each eroding public trust and facilitating illegal activities. From bribery to abuse of power, these corrupt acts are not isolated incidents, but parts of a broader systemic problem. At the heart of this phenomenon is the illicit transaction: the exchange of favors, money or influence between officials and private entities. These transactions, although often hidden, have devastating effects. They facilitate evasion of the law, allow criminal networks to operate unimpeded, and open the doors to drug trafficking. Another manifestation of corruption is the manipulation of policies and legislation. Corrupt officials, influenced by bribery or pressure, can bend laws to serve private interests rather than the public good. This not only undermines democracy, but also creates an environment where crime and drug trafficking can flourish.
The impact of corruption extends far beyond state institutions; It penetrates deeply into the fabric of society. Corruption strips communities of essential resources, widening the gap between rich and poor. On one side, we have those who benefit from the fruits of corruption: quality services, modern infrastructure and a flourishing economy. In the other, we see the consequences of neglect: impoverished neighborhoods, crumbling infrastructure, and increased criminal activity.
This imbalance fuels a vicious cycle of hopelessness and disillusionment. Trust in institutions fades, and with it, faith in democracy. Communities affected by corruption are often trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime, where legal opportunities are few and illegal ones abound. This not only perpetuates corruption and crime, but also hinders social and economic development and is also an invitation to madmen like Milei who offer solutions to everything by destroying the state.
In this panorama, drug trafficking finds fertile ground. Marginalized communities, lacking options, may be lured by the promises of quick profits from the drug trade. At the same time, corrupt officials facilitate these activities, either by direct action or omission, contributing to the proliferation of drug trafficking.
Corruption and its impact on crime and drug trafficking know no borders. From Latin America to Africa, examples abound. In Latin America, corruption has been a catalyst for drug trafficking, with state officials involved in facilitating or even directly participating in the drug trade. Countries such as Colombia, Mexico and Brazil have struggled for decades against drug trafficking networks intertwined with corruption at various levels of government. Today we see how rulers take extreme measures, as in El Salvador and other countries, that try to imitate the measure, where they try to solve a problem only to create other democratic and human rights problems.
Corruption in state institutions not only facilitates crime and drug trafficking at the national level, but also has international implications. Corruption allows criminal networks to expand beyond national borders, connecting different parts of the world in a network of illicit activities such as the Aragua train.
Fighting corruption in state institutions is a monumental challenge, because the legislators themselves are and have been part of the corruption, but this does not make it impossible. This requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the causes and consequences of corruption and integrates citizen participation.
The implementation of stricter and more transparent laws is essential. But this does not mean giving police officers even more powers to fight common crime. There are plenty of tools for this. Hitting your feet when the problem is in your head hasn’t worked. The strictest, harshest laws become necessary for institutions and their officials. The slaps on the hand as a sanction to corrupt officials and legislators is what encourages ordinary crime. This includes legislation that improves accountability, transparency in political campaign financing, and tough penalties including jail time for acts of corruption. Equality before the law, which until now has been nothing more than a bad joke, must be reinforced when taken seriously and end with hallway favors. It is also understood that this has not been possible because there is no citizenry and organizations empowered to keep the honorable, honorable.
One of the most popular measures in the fight against crime is education. To any problem plus education, however, the aforementioned education does not appear anywhere. Obviously, education plays a crucial role in the fight against corruption and crime, I do not want to diminish its role, however, if the problem of elite corruption is not solved, education is meaningless. The messages are contradictory. Awareness about the consequences of corruption and the importance of integrity and ethics loses value.
Corruption and drug trafficking are beginning to take root in many systems and cultures, making eradicating them an arduous task. Furthermore, those involved in acts of corruption often have resources and connections to evade justice.
Corruption in state institutions is a cancer that feeds on apathy and apathy, and which in turn feeds crime and drug trafficking. Its eradication is crucial to the stability and prosperity of societies around the world. This challenge requires an empowered citizenry capable of controlling the excesses of the elites. There is no point in fighting at featherweight, at the same time that Cathy Barriga is formalized for corruption. In one of those, in each of these fights, both of them win.
Rafael Alfredo Cerpa
The opinions expressed in this section are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the thoughts of the newspaper El Clarín