Corruption undermines rule of law and weakens the institutions all the while threatening democracy leaving the citizens having no trust in them. The pandemic in only a few months laid bare all institutional weaknesses, for which corruption is mostly to blame. Strengthening of human capacities and resources in the fight against corruption is key, it was concluded Wednesday.
To restore public trust, it is needed the system to show tangible results in its fight and increase the number of verdicts in high-level corruption cases, including confiscation of assets acquired illegally, heard a debate marking International Anti-Corruption Day, organized by the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption.
Individuals showcasing high awareness can raise the nation’s awareness in the fight against corruption, according to Biljana Ivanovska, President of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption.
“Any brave, responsible and professional conduct of the citizens is a show of resilience against corruption. It’s never too late to fight against the illegal actions of individuals and institutions and also against laws tearing apart the society,” she said.
Taking part in the event, Parliament Vice President Goran Misovski said no matter how trivial an act or decision against the law might seem, it was the beginning of an ever-expanding circle that included several segments, people and institutions.
“We need to be aware and responsible, everyone should act within their field of actions. It’s the only way to health the ailing tissue,” Misovski stressed.
The process, he added, is slow but we have set all the preconditions, including the law preventing corruption and conflict of interests.
Ljupcho Nikolovski, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the fight against corruption and crime, sustainable development and human resources, said the government by putting an emphasis on the matter had opened a wide front in curbing corruption, thus demonstrating strong political will.
“It’s going to be a long battle. The objective is to establish a functioning system in the interests of all citizens, one that will always generate and deliver justice, rule of law, and order,” said Nikolovski, calling corruption and political wrongdoings the greatest enemy of all citizens, the institutions and the honorable politicians, too.
He announced the launching of campaigns on preventing corruption.
To Justice Minister Bojan Marichikj, corruption is “one the most horrible diseases of the society”.
“The issue has been discussed many times, but to be aware about its existence is not enough for it to be solved. In addition to implementing the laws, we also should change the way we behave, mainly the decision-makers and those working for the citizens,” he said.
According to EU Ambassador David Geer, corruption has been a challenge many countries across the world are facing.
He said that efficient institutions at home and anti-corruption mechanisms played a key role in the EU accession process. They are part of the so called fundamentals i.e. issues evaluated in every stage of the accession process.
