This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
Please provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption in Lebanon, with a focus on the energy sector.
Content
1. Introduction/Context
2. Overview of corruption in Lebanon
3. Governance structure and anti-corruption efforts in Lebanon
4. References
Summary
Corruption in Lebanon is widespread and permeates all levels of society, as reflected by the country’s global and regional average performances scores in most governance areas. Political parties, public administration, the Parliament and the police are perceived as the most corrupt institutions of the country. Partly due to political instability, the country has not established the necessary integrity structures nor are there indications of a strong political will to fight corruption. Lebanon’s confessional power-sharing arrangements fuels patronage networks and clientelism, which undermines further the country’s governance system.
Offshore hydrocarbon resources were recently discovered in Lebanon. The exploitation of these reserves has not yet started. It is crucial for Lebanon to create the necessary safeguards to ensure transparent management and maximum social benefits.
Authors
Sofia Wickberg, Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Marie Chêne, Transparency International, Robin Hodess, Transparency International
Date
15/10/2012
