TANGENTOPOLI Meaning and
Definition
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Tangentopoli is an Italian term that literally translates to "city of kickbacks" or "bribeville." It refers to a significant corruption scandal that occurred during the early 1990s in Italy. Specifically, the term is associated with a scandal involving widespread political corruption and illegal financial dealings between politicians, businessmen, and the Mafia.
The Tangentopoli scandal exposed a system of bribery and kickbacks that had infiltrated several political parties and public institutions across the country. It led to the arrest and prosecution of numerous influential politicians, including members of the ruling parties, as well as prominent businessmen. The scandal caused shockwaves throughout Italian society, profoundly damaging public trust in the political establishment and the business environment.
Tangentopoli was a defining moment in modern Italian politics, as it marked the end of the "First Republic" and triggered a series of reforms aimed at combating corruption and restoring public faith in the government. The scandal ultimately led to the dissolution of several major political parties and a significant reconfiguration of the Italian political landscape.
Today, the term "Tangentopoli" is often used to refer to any major political scandal involving corruption and kickbacks, both in Italy and in other countries, highlighting the systemic and far-reaching consequences of such illegal activities.
Etymology of TANGENTOPOLI
The word "Tangentopoli" is derived from the Italian language. It is a portmanteau of two words: "tangente", meaning "bribe", and "poli", short for "politics".
Tangentopoli is a term that emerged in Italy during the early 1990s. It refers to a major political scandal known as the "Clean Hands" (Mani Pulite) investigation. The investigation uncovered a widespread system of corruption and bribery involving politicians, public officials, and businessmen that had been occurring for decades.
The word "Tangentopoli" became associated with this scandal and the subsequent political turmoil it caused. The term reflects the public perception that political corruption had deeply infiltrated the political establishment, with bribes and kickbacks being a norm in Italian politics at that time.
