(no subject)

[fpb]

One thing that democratic countries need is an independent and possibly unelected - and if not, elected for life - body of accountants charged with scrutinizing the budget, insuring that existing statutory liabilities are covered, and rejecting improperly costed expenditure proposals. No law should be passed which is either not provided for from existing funds or else takes away from funds set aside for other purposes. Some European countries, including Italy, have a Court of Accounts - a tribunal-like body that assesses state accounts - but its powers are limited, and it has frequently proved incapable of stopping disastrous drives in public spending.

Comments

[shezan.livejournal.com]

We have the Cour des Comptes. Unfortunately, it can't take measures, only make a stink and hope it will have an effect.

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Like Italy's Corte dei Conti - same name, dignity and lack of powers.

[shezan.livejournal.com]

(I've been meaning to ask you - do you have an opinion on Franco Bassanini?)

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Not much. That he rebelled against Craxi way back then speaks in his favour, and he seems to be a competent and effective specialist. But he has never been so prominent in Italian politics that I have had to make up an opinion on him personally.

[mentalguy.livejournal.com]

In the US, we do have the Government Accountability Office. But -- same lack of power. The Comptroller Generals who actually give a damn always eventually resign in frustration.