Slovenia Stagnates on Corruption Index Amid Worrying Trend of Attacks on Integrity System
Despite significant milestones achieved in the fight against corruption, Slovenia’s anti-corruption framework remains stagnant. The country’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has barely budged from 60 for three consecutive years, indicating a worrying trend of attacks on its integrity system.
A Decade of Inaction: Slovenia’s Anti-Corruption Framework Stagnates
Slovenia’s relative robustness in implementing an anti-corruption framework over a decade ago has not been matched by much-needed reforms to increase its effectiveness. Progress on such reforms has been glacial, with key decisions often being held up by complex political dynamics and a lack of will among policymakers.
Key Reforms Held Up
- The amendment of the Integrity and Prevention of Corruption Act in 2020 after more than five years of discussions, drafts, public consultations, and efforts to persuade decision-makers.
- The passage of a code of ethics for deputies in the National Assembly, which had been discussed since the 1990s.
Outdated and Ineffective Anti-Corruption Framework
While these developments may suggest progress, they are only steps in the right direction, according to experts. The entire anti-corruption framework remains outdated and ineffective, with key pillars under threat from attacks on their integrity. For instance:
- Resolution on Prevention of Corruption: Over 17 years old and has not been updated.
- Government’s Integrity Programme: Expired in 2019 and has yet to be replaced.
COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes Vulnerability to Corruption Risks
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed Slovenia’s vulnerability to corruption risks, with emergency procurement processes manifesting every possible risk listed in textbooks. Public spending information was suspended for a time, a whistleblower who pointed out irregularities lost their job, and the police and National Bureau of Investigation heads changed rapidly due to what were seen as conveniently lowered criteria.
COVID-19 Relief Packages Raise Suspicions
COVID-19 relief packages worth billions of euros included provisions that raised suspicions of privileged access to decision-makers. Civil society organisations (CSOs) faced harassment, defunding attempts, and eviction from publicly owned premises. Journalists were continuously attacked by social media trolls fueled by prominent political figures and pro-government media outlets.
Legislative Proposals Threaten National News Outlets
Legislative proposals threatened national news outlets with severe budget cuts, while the national press agency saw its funding temporarily suspended. The trend of impunity, political pressure on key oversight bodies, and a gradual dissolution of watchdog organisations continues to erode Slovenia’s integrity system.
A Warning Sign: No Future Legislative Progress Without Action
Unless this worrying trend is reversed, no future legislative progress will make a difference. Key institutions will be left powerless to enforce the rules effectively, rendering them an empty shell. As the CPI score of 60 can attest, a country can deteriorate faster than numbers are able to show. It is a stark reminder that vigilance and action are needed to prevent Slovenia’s integrity system from further collapse.