Italy tightens the screws on corruption

Three agreements signed in Italy last month have made it possible for corrupt public servants to be dismissed more rapidly.

Staff employed by the Italian tax authorities, the health service and local authorities are covered by the agreements, which are part of a crackdown across the public sector. If staff are caught acting illegally in the areas of corruption, embezzlement or extortion, disciplinary action leading to dismissal can now begin against them as soon as an investigating magistrate has confirmed the likelihood of their illegal activity. Previously, action could not be taken until the final sentence had been handed out.