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Macedonia to Be Reviewed in Third Wave of Anti-Corruption Efforts

Skopje, Macedonia - In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the legal framework for combating corruption has been implemented since 2002. The country’s State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) is an independent body responsible for preventing and repressing corruption.

Combating Corruption Initiatives

The SCPC has developed several initiatives to combat corruption, including:

  • Training programs for public officials
  • Awareness campaigns for citizens

Despite these efforts, bribery remains a significant problem in the country.

Corruption Survey Findings

A recent survey conducted by UNODC found that nearly 50% of respondents reported having paid a bribe in the past year. The most common reasons given for paying bribes were:

  • To speed up a process or get a service (64%)
  • To gain an advantage over others (44%)

The survey also found that many citizens are dissatisfied with the way corruption is handled in the country. Only 14% of respondents reported being satisfied with the government’s efforts to combat corruption, while 62% believed that the level of corruption had increased in the past year.

Government Response

To address these concerns, the Government of Macedonia has agreed to participate in the third wave of anti-corruption efforts, a program launched by the European Commission and UNODC. The program aims to provide support to countries in their fight against corruption and promote good governance practices.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 3,500 citizens aged 18-64, selected randomly in each region of the country. The main objective of the survey was to examine actual experience of administrative corruption in Macedonia and provide evidence-based information on how to develop targeted anti-corruption policies.

Map: Regional Coverage of the Survey

[Insert map showing regions surveyed]

The survey covered all regions of Macedonia, providing a comprehensive picture of the prevalence and types of corruption experienced by citizens in their daily lives.

Corruption in Macedonia: Bribery as Experienced by the Population

In both personal and national indicators, corruption was ranked as one of the most important problems faced by Macedonian citizens. On a personal level, 9% of respondents reported that they had paid a bribe in the past year, while on a national level, 14% believed that the level of corruption had increased.

Conclusion

The results of this survey provide valuable insights into the complex phenomenon of corruption and its many facets. The findings will serve as an additional tool for developing well-targeted anti-corruption policies by the authorities of Macedonia.