Transparency in Public Life

Nº155 JANUARY 2026

Parents like to tell their young children, «If you tell the truth, I won't punish you». Telling the truth, however, does not eradicate the mistake. This example illustrates the distinction between the concepts of transparency and integrity, a distinction which is crucial in politics. Transparency refers to the public visibility of decisions, processes and data. It ensures not only democratic scrutiny but also ethical governance. Integrity, meanwhile, refers to the exercise of power, ethical values, shared norms and institutional mechanisms that underwrite functional public life.

This essay deconstructs the abuses of the word «transparency» in politics, exploring what it promises and where it fails. Furthermore, it explains why this concept, unless combined with integrity and accountability, is nothing more than window dressing. It examines specific cases and invites critical reflection on democratic challenges and paradoxes.