Illiberal movements typically come to power promising to clean up corrupt elites. Yet one of the clearest contradictions of illiberalism is that it often creates the conditions in which corruption flourishes.
Corruption exists in all political systems. The difference is not its existence but its prevalence and persistence. Liberal democracies possess independent courts, free media and institutional checks capable of exposing and sanctioning abuses of power. Illiberal governments systematically weaken precisely these constraints.
This should not come as a surprise. Concentrating power in the hands of a small political elite while undermining accountability inevitably increases the scope for corruption, nepotism, cronyism and elite capture. Public office becomes a means of rewarding loyalty and accumulating wealth rather than serving the public interest. The problem extends beyond financial corruption. It reflects a broader rejection of competition governed by transparent rules in favour of political patronage and insider advantage. Personalised leadership further entrenches the system, making it increasingly difficult to remove those who abuse power.
This is also where illiberal movements are politically vulnerable. While voters may disagree on ideology, they rarely tolerate politicians enriching themselves while claiming to represent ordinary citizens. The promise to eradicate corruption often ends with replacing one privileged elite by another that is even less accountable.
Democrats should expose this contradiction relentlessly. Independent investigations, transparency and robust oversight remain essential. But credibility also requires strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the same rules apply to everyone. Integrity is not simply good governance. It is one of liberal democracy's strongest political advantages.
Fabian Zuleeg is Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre.
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