A question from a forum member on corruption today:
Maria
Thanks for your replies to my questions.
Perhaps the biggest question is, ....when those like yourself can see so clearly what the problems are, why can't those in power who are trusted to do the same, see with similar clarity and take action to make long overdue changes to benefit not only individuals, but the whole industry? I think we have to assume that corruption is still far to acceptable in Spain, and justice is often not seen as a right, but something that so often has to be fought for, and for many it's a fight that can't be sustained for the time or money available for the individual ?
I wonder if without '' the people '' demanding change, wheather it will take a generation to change, rather than months or years even, or will the current situation with the property industry force change sooner than that?
My answer:
Of course, the current disaster is making all ( politicians, banks, developers...) to think on new development models. Again the necessity is creating virtue. I have got my hopes on the presence of foreigners in Spain, just because you do not understand and accept certain ways we are culturally somehow used to accept and understand, and I also have my hopes on the proffessional standards that our membership in the european Union demands. European proffessionals can come and make competition to us in our own country and that will be very healthy for services quality level.
I am very proud of being a Spaniard, we are hospitable, warm, happy people with a strong social and family system but am ready to acknowledge and understand both strengths and weakenesses of my country and culture.
Those above ( social and family ties) can turn themselves into vices if they are not correctly understood and lived out in the proffessiona field. The spoiled version of these can be the two most damaging behaviours in proffessional life, which had a great impact on corruption during the real estate boom: the so called " amiguismo" ( buddy system, favouritism), and the " no problem" easy-say which are at the end a lack of sense of risponsability and duty.
Artist at Tossa. By Neilalderney at Flickr.com
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