MILAN (AP) -- A global watchdog is urging the Italian government to set up an independent, anti-corruption agency.
Transparency International says in its first report on the effectiveness of Italian institutions that such an agency, along with a code of conduct for lawmakers, would help restore integrity in public life.
The report issued Friday said Italian leaders have not done enought to fight corruption, weakening systems of accountability and public spending control. It noted that 55 percent of Italian GDP is managed by the public sector.
The judicial system leads the fight against corruption, according to the report, which said the media was too influenced by politicians.
Italy ranks 69th on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index of 183 countries, making it one of the worst-performers in the EU.
