# Italy: open letter to Prime Minister Monti URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/italy-open-letter-to-prime-minister-monti Type: News Published: 2012-09-27 Updated: 2019-11-19 --- ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Flickr_fabrizionsinopoli_palazzochigi_620.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=620&h=348.75) 27 September 2012 This week both the president and the prime minister of Italy called on the Senate to pass anti-corruption legislation that has been stalled for the past two months. Political scandals continue to hit the headlines in Italy, and [Transparency International Italia](http://www.transparency.it/) added its voice to those asking for reform in an open letter to Prime Minister Mario Monti on 27 September 2012. ### The letter Dear Prime Minister Mario Monti, We welcome calls this week by both the President and yourself for swift enactment of the anti-corruption legislation that is stalled in the Senate and ask you to maintain pressure on lawmakers to act now. Political grandstanding should not be allowed to stand in the way of these much needed reforms. According to the Italian Supreme Audit Institution the economic impact of corruption in the public sector is estimated at €60 billion per year and represents an “immoral and hidden tax paid with money stolen from citizens’ pockets”. Corruption deters foreign investment, reduces the capacity of the country to rebound from the financial crisis, and makes the citizens lose trust in institutions and politics. Both the OECD and the Council of Europe have recommended a strong legal framework to fight corruption and the Supreme Audit Institution asked to the Parliament to quickly pass the anti-corruption bill, that also provides for the new crime of private corruption. Transparency International Italia adds its voice to these appeals and strongly advocates immediate approval of the bill. Italy needs the anti-corruption law to reassure entrepreneurs and investors, to create a more sustainable economic environment and, most important of all, to regain the trust and confidence of its citizens. Yours sincerely Maria Teresa Brassiolo President, Transparency International Italia ### La lettera Egregio Sig. Presidente, Abbiamo molto apprezzato l’appello da parte Sua e del Presidente della Repubblica per una rapida approvazione del disegno di legge anticorruzione ora in discussione al Senato e Le chiediamo di mantenere alta la pressione sul Parlamento perché agisca nel più breve tempo possibile. Data la situazione del Paese, nessun impedimento a riforme tanto necessarie può più essere tollerato. Secondo la Corte dei Conti, l’impatto economico della corruzione nel settore pubblico è di circa 60 miliardi di euro all’anno e rappresenta una “tassa immorale ed occulta pagata con i soldi prelevati dalle tasche dei cittadini”. La corruzione inoltre allontana gli investimenti esteri, riduce le possibilità del Paese di risollevarsi dalla crisi finanziaria e mortifica i cittadini, sempre più sfiduciatati dalle istituzioni e dalla politica. Sia l’OCSE che il Consiglio d’Europea hanno raccomandato l’adozione di un più solido quadro normativo a contrasto della corruzione; la stessa Corte dei Conti ha auspicato che il Parlamento approvi in tempi rapidi il disegno di legge anticorruzione, che tra l’altro prevede giustamente l’introduzione del reato di corruzione tra privati. Transparency International Italia si unisce a questi appelli e raccomanda fortemente l’approvazione immediata del disegno di legge. L’Italia ha bisogno di questa legge per rassicurare imprenditori e investitori, per creare un ambiente economico più sostenibile e, ancora più importante, per riconquistare la fiducia dei suoi stessi cittadini. Distinti saluti, Maria Teresa Brassiolo Presidente, Transparency International Italia ## Countries - [Italy](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/italy) For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Anti-corruption gaps are leaving democracy in Europe exposed](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/anti-corruption-gaps-leaving-democracy-europe-exposed) News • 15 September 2026 Too many European countries are failing to effectively implement and enforce their anti-corruption laws, while several are rapidly backsliding. ## [COP Talks: Formal Delegations, Informal Access](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cop30-formal-delegations-informal-access) News • 14 September 2026 Our analysis of EU delegations found 63 fossil fuel-linked representatives accredited through nine EU Member States at COP30, raising concerns over transparency and influence in… ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job. ## [One click away? 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