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Corruption Indicators: A Complex Web of Deception
A recent study has shed light on the intricate nature of corruption, highlighting its devastating impact on society and the challenges in combating it effectively.
The Many Faces of Corruption
According to experts, corruption can manifest itself at various levels, including:
- Grand corruption: corrupt practices affecting policymakers and legislative processes
- Administrative corruption: dealings between civil servants and the public
Both forms have far-reaching consequences, hindering equal access to public services, eroding trust in state institutions, and impeding economic and social development.
The State of Corruption in Macedonia
The study, conducted by the Institute for Sociological, Political and Legal Research of Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, surveyed 2,759 citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The results showed that:
- Corruption was ranked as the third most important problem facing individuals and the country as a whole
- 62% of respondents believed that corruption had increased in their country over the past year
- Only 14% thought it had decreased
These findings were corroborated by the Global Corruption Barometer 2010, which reported that nearly half of respondents perceived an increase in corruption in the three preceding years.
The Importance of Empirical Data
Experts emphasize the importance of studying direct experience and collecting empirical data on corruption. This approach can provide valuable insights into:
- Modalities of corruption
- Vulnerable sectors
- Positions at risk
A Recent Survey on Administrative Corruption
A recent survey conducted by UNODC, with support from the European Commission and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, aimed to examine actual experiences of administrative corruption in the country. The study:
- Probed the prevailing types and modalities of corruption affecting citizens’ daily lives
- Focused on bribery, which is a criminal offense under the United Nations Convention against Corruption
The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 3,500 citizens aged 18 to 64. Topics covered included:
- Reporting of corruption to authorities
- Citizens’ opinions about corruption and integrity
- Experiences as victims of other forms of crime
The Study’s Findings
The report presents an analysis of the data collected in the survey, providing analytical knowledge about the complex phenomenon of corruption at both national and sub-national levels. The study’s findings are expected to serve as a valuable tool for developing well-targeted anti-corruption policies in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and can be used as a benchmark for measuring future progress in the fight against corruption.
Map 1: Regional Coverage of the Survey
The survey covered all regions of the country, providing a comprehensive picture of corruption patterns across different areas.