Financial Crime World

Corruption in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Bribery as Experienced by the Population

Skopje, March 2013 - The European Commission and the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have announced that the country will undergo a third wave review (2012-2013) to assess its efforts in combating corruption. This review is part of the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Prevalence of Bribery

According to the latest findings, bribery remains a significant problem in the country. In 2010, a large-scale survey conducted by UNODC and the State Statistical Office found that almost half of respondents perceived an increase in corruption over the past three years.

Types of Corruption

The survey probed the prevailing types and modalities of corruption that affect citizens’ daily lives. The results showed that bribery is a widespread practice, with 46% of respondents reporting having paid bribes to access public services.

Regional Coverage

Map 1: Regional Coverage of the Survey

The survey found that bribery was most commonly reported in the areas of:

  • Healthcare (34%)
  • Education (27%)
  • Law enforcement (25%)

In addition, the results showed that respondents from rural areas were more likely to report paying bribes than those from urban areas.

Reasons for Paying Bribes

Respondents who reported paying bribes cited a range of reasons for doing so, including:

  • Need to access public services quickly (44%)
  • Lack of trust in public officials (36%)
  • Sense of inevitability (34%)

Methodology

The survey was conducted between [Dates] and consisted of face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 3,500 citizens aged 18 to 64. The data were collected by UNODC and the State Statistical Office, in partnership with the European Commission.

Conclusion

Bribery remains a significant problem in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, with almost half of respondents reporting having paid bribes over the past three years. The results of this survey highlight the need for policymakers to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.

Recommendations

  1. Conduct regular surveys to monitor the prevalence and modalities of corruption.
  2. Develop targeted anti-corruption policies and interventions.
  3. Increase transparency and accountability in public institutions.
  4. Enhance public awareness and education campaigns on the negative impacts of corruption.

By implementing these recommendations, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia can work towards reducing corruption and promoting a more transparent and accountable public sector.