Abstract
This study investigates conflict of interest of local politicians in environmental policy in Flanders, a topic that has limited scientific coverage despite much media attention. Through an anonymous survey, sent to all municipal environment departments in Flanders, we probe the perceptions of municipal environment officials about possible conflict of interests of local policymakers. With a response rate of 40%, almost half of the respondents indicated a suspicion of conflict of interest, with conflict of interest defined broadly to include moral particularism, clientelism and nepotism. Although the results cannot determine whether or not conflict of interest has occurred, this study shows that there is a very high level of distrust between civil service and politics at the local level.
Keywords: Conflict of interest, clientelism, corruption
How to Cite:
Willemstein, Y. & Coppens, T., (2024) “How big is the conflict of interest among local governments in environmental policy? A survey of Flemish environmental officials.”, Ruimte & Maatschappij 15(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/renm.90202
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