Η σημασία της πληροφορίας για την καταπολέμηση της διαφθοράς και ο ρόλος των μαρτύρων δημοσίου συμφέροντος (whistleblowers) στον εντοπισμό της

Abstract

The reporting of wrongdoing in favor of the public interest has become a key pillar of preventing and tackling corruption promptly. The people who most commonly perceive irregular practices are individuals who have working bonds with the place where corruption occurs. However, due to their reliance on the source of irregular behavior, these individuals are vulnerable to retaliation. For potential informants to be encouraged in reporting, it is necessary to establish an integrated network of legal protection against retaliation and clear and functional public complaints mechanisms. The legal framework on whistleblowers protection and the existing reporting mechanisms are the main topics of this paper. The study uses the method of the literature review and relies largely on reports of international bodies and organizations but also the books of Dr. Koutnatzi and Dr. Stylianidou. The paper is structured in three chapters: the first one deals with the concept of whistleblowers and the adequacy of the national legal framework on whistleblowing. The second one concerns the reporting mechanisms against public sector corruption and the third one critically addresses the latest legislative and institutional advances in the field of whistleblowing. The paper aims to outline and critically approach the existing, legislative, and administrative toolkit of malfunctions reporting, and to highlight the new opportunities for the public administration to use whistleblowers as an effective weapon in the battle against corruption.