Interesting
The 10 Most Corrupt Leaders in the World
The longer the term they served, the more money the were able to embezzle.
“Money and corruption are ruining the land, crooked politicians betray the working man, pocketing the profits and treating us like sheep, and we’re tired of hearing promises that we know they’ll never keep.”
–Ray Davies
Government officials are supposed to protect and lead the people towards a better life. The people trusted and elected them believing that they will prioritize their country and all its citizens’ welfare. But, what if the head of the state is only more concerned about power and fortune? What happens when public service becomes just another business and the leader only focuses on amassing great wealth to stabilize his own family’s future?
Then we will probably have corrupt leaders.
Corruption is like an infectious disease and it is pandemic. It may affect all types of people; it knows no race and religion, and history can prove that.
Here are 10 of the most corrupt leaders in world according to Transparency International, Global Corruption Report 2004:
#10. Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Philippines
Joseph Estrada became the Philippines’ head of state from 1998 to 2001. He allegedly embezzled $78-$80 million during his term. He is now the incumbent mayor of Manila, the country’s capital city.
#9. Arnoldo Alemán, Nicaragua
Between 1997 and 2002, former Nicaraguan president Arnoldo Alemán allegedly stole $100 million from his country.
#8. Pavlo Lazarenko, Ukraine
Pavlo Lazarenko was the Prime Minister of Ukraine from 1996 to 1997. In just one year, Lazarenko reportedly pocketed $114 million to $200 million.
#7. Alberto Fujimori, Peru
From 1990-2000, Fujimori’s 10-year-term allegedly allowed him to embezzle $600 million from the Peruvians.
#6. Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti
Jean-Claude Duvalier was the president of Haiti from 1971 to 1986. During his 15-year-term, he allegedly took $300 million to $800 million.
#5. Slobodan Milosevic, Serbia
The former Serbian leader reportedly embezzled $1 billion from 1989-2000.
#4. Sani Abacha, Nigeria
Former Nigerian president Sani Abacha supposedly stole $2 billion to $5 billion from 1993 to 1998.
#3. Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire
Mobutu Sese Seko became the president of Zaire from 1965 to 1997. He reportedly stole $5 billion during his term.
#2. Ferdinand Marcos, Philippines
Former president Ferdinand Marcos governed the Philippines as a dictator when he placed the country under martial law. From 1972 to 1986, he purportedly embezzled $5 billion to $10 billion.
#1. Mohamed Suharto, Indonesia
On top of the list is former Indonesian president Mohamed Suharto who ruled the country from 1967 to 1998. During his 31-year-term, Suharto apparently stole $15 billion to $35 billion.
The World’s Poorest President Is Also One of the Most Generous
H/T: Forbes, The Dailypedia, Wikipedia