Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Deputy PM for the fight against corruption and crime, sustainable development and human resources, Ljupcho Nikolovski, in a letter to Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi and all members of parliament, pointed out to the importance of the legislative house in the processes related to the fight against corruption and crime.
The letter highlights the need for unity in adopting the National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest, along with the Action Plan for its functioning, as well as the necessary legal amendments related to timely implementation of part of the measures within the operational Plan to fight corruption, the Government said in a press release.
“Our starting point is the need to eliminate obstacles and to improve the system, i.e. to ensure that institutions are always on the frontlines against corruption. Institutions need to ensure detection, prevention, recognition and sanctioning of all forms of corruption at all levels of government without exception. With this letter we are addressing you, respected members of parliament, as a key link in adopting the necessary legal framework and regulations, and as the ones responsible for the control and oversight of the institutions of the executive and the independent bodies, urging you to prioritize these processes and give an additional impetus to help systematically tackle corruption,” reads the letter.
In addition, PM Zaev and Deputy PM Nikolovski extend gratitude to all MPs for all their efforts so far, urging for an even stronger support and participation in the reform process for Europeanization, progress, development and implementation of European legislation, the rule of law, and uncompromising fight against corruption.
“Support to the legal changes arising from the Plan to fight corruption, as well as the National Strategy, by consensus, will send a clear and unequivocal message to the citizens who have given us their trust for the very fight for a better life. Such a consensual step will be heard and seen by the citizens as a stately and responsible one. However, it will also demonstrate the readiness of all authorities to stand alongside the citizens,” says the letter.
At a session on March 2, 2021, the Government adopted a Plan to fight corruption, as part of the priorities within “Action 21 – European Standards at Home.” The operational document aims to contribute to the prevention and eradication of corruption through systemic measures. Its implementation largely depends on certain necessary legal amendments, as well as in relation to adopting the National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest, which requires the involvement of the Parliament of North Macedonia.