Bribery in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Prevalence, Impact, and Consequences

Prevalence of Bribery

The provision of public services in Bosnia and Herzegovina is often hindered by corruption. The results of a recent survey confirm that bribery is still a widespread phenomenon, affecting not only citizens’ trust in public institutions but also their willingness to comply with laws and regulations.

Prevalence of Bribery

• 18% of respondents reported paying a bribe in the last 12 months.
• This percentage is slightly lower than the one from the Gallup Balkan Monitor (2009) which stood at 15%.
• However, it is still higher than the average in the region according to Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (2010).

Bribery by Public Sector

The survey also asked citizens to identify which public sector or institution they had paid a bribe to in the past 12 months. Respondents reported bribing officials from the following sectors:

• Police: 44%
• Health sector: 23%
• Education system: 14%
• Tax authority: 13%
• Other public services (e.g., ID card, passport): 6%

Who Pays Bribes?

The survey also looked at who typically pays bribes. It found that:

• Men are more likely to pay bribes than women.
• Younger people (18-24 years old) are more likely to pay bribes than older people.
• People with higher education levels are less likely to pay bribes.

Consequences of Bribery

The survey also examined the consequences of bribery. It found that:

• 55% of respondents who paid bribes reported feeling frustrated or angry as a result.
• 44% reported feeling anxious or stressed.
• 31% reported losing trust in public institutions.

Impact on Citizens’ Lives

These results highlight the negative impact of bribery on citizens’ lives and their relationship with public institutions. They also underscore the need for effective anti-corruption measures to prevent bribery and promote transparency and accountability in the public sector.