The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have led to an unprecedented assertion of power by governments across Latin America and the world. Unfortunately, exceptional or emergency powers intended to expedite crisis response, including as to health services, economic relief, and other critical needs, have also opened up opportunities for abuse that have the potential to significantly setback the fight against corruption. Even though governments have been operating under these exceptions for a relatively short time, in at least 12 of the 14 countries analyzed, there have been allegations of, or announced investigations into, corruption relating to public procurement directly linked to the pandemic response. Indeed, the relaxation of normal monitoring and procurement procedures threatens long-fought-for anti-corruption safeguards.
Latin America: Corruption in Times Of Covid-19
