"Should Council of Europe be disbanded?"

Germany's broadcaster Deutsche Welle writes this in an opinion peace signed by Max Hofmann, who thinks that "when individual council members would rather illegally accept money and gifts instead of fighting corruption, then there's no need for the Council of Europe anymore."

"Officially, the Council of Europe is meant to safeguard democracy and the rule of law. Given that mission, many people are already asking why countries such as Russia and Turkey even have a seat at the table. Most observers in Strasbourg say that it would be pointless to throw them out, as the institution would then have zero influence on rulers like Putin and Erdogan," Hofmann writes, and adds:

"There was a similar thought process when it came to accepting the corrupt Caucasian state of Azerbaijan: First, integrate the republic in the Council of Europe, and then export European values to the new member country. Needless to say, it didn't work. A short aside for everyone whose work doesn't involve thinking about the various roles of the European Council, the Council of the European Union and the Council of Europe: The latter has nothing to do with the European Union. That's why it can accept countries that are not part of the EU. It is based in Strasbourg, France, and is committed to fighting for human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law - in theory, at least."

"But back to our enterprising member country from the Caspian Sea," he continues. "It seems Azerbaijan was much more successful in exporting its values westward than the other way round. Okay, 'values' is perhaps a bit too lofty - more like rugs, luxury goods and money, for the most part. Several council members were happy to accept the gifts, in return for sweeping disturbing reports about...