Long Terms in Power Linked to Corruption, Term Limits Proposed
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Research indicates that prolonged terms in public office can foster corruption, with studies linking long tenures to practices like "tailored tenders" and diminished empathy among leaders. Benjamin Netanyahu, who has served as Israel's Prime Minister for approximately 19 years, faces corruption charges. While some countries have term limits, others, like Russia and China, have seen leaders circumvent them. Opposition parties in Israel are currently proposing term limits for the prime minister.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Extended terms in power are linked to increased corruption and "tailored tenders," research suggests.
- Benjamin Netanyahu has served as Israel's Prime Minister for approximately 19 years and faces criminal charges.
- The adage "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" is supported by modern studies.
- A 2017 study linked longer mayoral terms to fewer bidders and higher procurement costs in Italy.
- Opposition parties in Israel are advocating for term limits for the prime minister.
- Some leaders, like Putin and Xi Jinping, have circumvented or abolished term limits in their countries.
Research suggests that extended periods in public office can lead to increased public spending and practices like "tailored tenders." Benjamin Netanyahu has served as Prime Minister for approximately 6,950 days, or about 19 years, significantly longer than any other Israeli prime minister. He faces criminal charges and is accused of attempting to weaken the judiciary, with numerous associates also facing investigations and convictions.
Historically, the concept that "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" was articulated by 19th-century British historian Lord Acton. Modern research in psychology and economics supports this notion. Studies indicate that prolonged power can diminish empathy and lead to recklessness and an unwillingness to accept advice, a phenomenon termed "hubris syndrome."
Economic evidence, such as a study of Italian municipalities, shows that longer mayoral terms correlate with fewer bidders in public tenders, higher procurement costs, and a greater likelihood of the same company repeatedly winning contracts, suggesting "tailored tenders." This aligns with observations of authoritarian regimes where corruption and cronyism are central features, as described by historian Anne Applebaum regarding Hungary under Viktor Orbán.
In Israel, the direct election law enacted in 1992 initially limited a prime minister to seven consecutive years, but this was repealed in 2001. Currently, opposition parties advocate for term limits. Netanyahu himself reportedly expressed support for a two-term limit in 1997.
Arguments for term limits posit that they ensure government turnover, breaking the cycle of corruption that can develop over years. Proposed legislation in Israel to limit terms has been introduced but not passed. The article contrasts this with countries like Russia and China, where leaders have found ways to circumvent or abolish term limits.