(July 22, 2013 at 4:30 pm)Fidel_Castronaut Wrote: But then again, nepotism and corrupt influences aren't unique to Westminster, neither is lobbying MPs or ministers. It happens in Germany, France, the UK and every other democratic parliament. It's just part of the parliamentary process, good or bad.
I dispute this part only.
Lobbying and favors for interest groups and friends of high ranking officials without the knowlege of the public is far worse in the UK than anywhere else in Europe. It might be worse in Spain, France, Italy and Ireland but I have never heard of any other country in Europe in which a corporation get`s goverment approval to buy a state owned media franchise after the boss of the coporation had a dinner at his private palace with the primeminister. (Thatcher/Blair - Rupert Murdock)
We are very strict considering such things. We had a president who was forced to resign after it was revealed that he took a loan from a private friend.
In some other countries such as Denmark, goverment finances are completly transparent and every cent can be accounted for be the public.
