Social Activism & Enhanced Transparency

8 December 2016 – On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, HIGGS and Vouliwatch held the event “Social Activism & Enhanced Transparency” at HIGGS venue.

The debate on transparency started by our guest, Nick Aiossa, Policy Officer at Transparency International EU Office, who presented European Programs, Integrity Pacts and OpenBudgets.eu, against corruption. Particular emphasis was given to the need for further cooperation between different actors (academics, journalists, activists, etc.) in the fight against corruption.

Lamprini Papadopoulou, Coordinator of the discussion, gave the floor to the Deputy Professor of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Athens, Demetris Sotiropoulos, who spoke about the notions of “Activism” and “Democracy”, while referring to the positive and negative impacts of Activism in a democratic society.

Finally, Stephanos Loukopoulos, Executive Director/co-founder of Vouliwatch, spoke about the role of digital technology in democracy in general, and more specifically in the fight against corruption. Particular emphasis was given to Vouliwatch’s role in enhancing transparency in the Greek political system, while stressing the need for the implementation of “Open Data” to the Members of the Greek Parliament.

At the end of the event, a lively dialogue was developed between the attendees and the speakers.