3 ms·
While internationally supported and implemented tax avoidance rules are generally the right way, I would like to see all these new rules balances with real tran
by fpp 12y ago
While internationally supported and implemented tax avoidance rules are generally the right way, I would like to see all these new rules balances with real transparency and accountability for how this (additional) tax income of countries / governments is spend.
What we have as transparency rules today is at best a good show - take the UK for example (considered as one of the best with regards to open data): DFID - the UK's development aid department publishes every £500 spent but with many 100s of millions they spend p.a. the only thing we know is that it disappeared in some opaque gov. shops in Geneva that have zero accountability, spend money on themselves as if there is no tomorrow and - when someone has a closer look - have "lost" billions or fostered corruption and organised crime globally.
And the OECD - like most international organisations - is not exactly a light when it comes to efficient use of (tax) funding.
First governments have to demonstrate and assure that they use the funds entrusted in an efficient way that is best for their citizens and not only for special interest groups. There must be rules to hold those in Government accountable and not only £5000 fines if someone "lost" or wasted £1Billion+ funds, and afterwards (s)he is moved to another senior post or receives a large consultancy contract from where they funds have disappeared.
In the moment this looks more like trying to threaten or milk successful companies or to make them compromise e.g. on the participation in dubious spy programs on citizens.
At the same time don't forget who is "running" the biggest tax heavens on this planet - its the UK and the US plus a series of "independent" island states where dozens of trillions of dollars have found a home (including for some of the largest multinational players mentioned here).