Corruption in Greece is one of the major factors dragging down the country’s economy. The estimated 1.4 billion euros ($1.8 billion) spent on bribes by Greeks last year wouldn’t pay off its bailout debts , but it might give its people more spare cash to deal with belt-tightening elsewhere.

You can’t be in Greece for long without hearing about “fakelaki” or “little envelopes” used to bribe officials. Everyone agrees corruption is a huge problem, but no-one seems to have the solution – and most Greeks adopt a policy of selective deafness when asked if they’ve ever paid a bribe.

Corruption is present in every country around the world, but Greece has one of the biggest problems in Europe.

This is one issue which might help leftist, anti-bailout party Syriza gain power in the Greek elections this weekend , as it has never been involved in any scandal – or indeed ever had the power to award contracts or top jobs.

Thousands gathered in front of Greece's parliament building Friday night to hear New Democracy leader and possible future Prime Minister Antonis Samaris promise to keep the country in the euro - and warn of the danger presented by Syriza.

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