Public Official

Officials are persons who perform public functions in government institutions at all levels (state, entity, cantonal and local) or are appointed to a responsible position in the bodies of public companies and institutions, public funds or other organizations of public interest.

Officials are persons who are authorized and responsible for making decisions, managing public resources, implementing policies and performing public functions on behalf of citizens. These can be politically elected representatives, appointed persons, public servants, members of administrative or supervisory boards, directors or other high-ranking officials in public institutions and bodies.

In the context of conflicts of interest, special attention is paid to officials due to their responsibility and influence on public resources. A conflict of interest may occur when an official has private interests, financial or personal, that may affect objectivity and impartiality in making decisions or performing public functions. An effective fight against corruption presupposes the detection and prevention of such conflicts of interest, in order to ensure transparency, integrity and responsibility in the performance of public functions and reduce the possibility of corrupt actions.