Tunisia Takes Steps Towards Eradicating Corruption in Finance Sector
A Recent Gathering Highlights the Urgent Need for Anti-Corruption Measures
A recent gathering of key stakeholders in Tunis has emphasized the pressing need for anti-corruption measures in Tunisia’s finance sector. The event, organized by Afkar, brought together representatives from government, civil society, private sector, international organizations, professional associations, educational institutions, and diplomatic bodies to discuss strategies for sustainable solutions.
Corruption in Tunisia: A Threat to Democratic Transition
The conference began with a candid evaluation of the state of corruption in Tunisia. Participants highlighted the prevalence of corruption in 2018, noting that it has increased since the 2011 revolution. The economic impacts of corruption were also discussed, including market distortion, reduced investment, and the creation of parallel economies.
Recommendations for Eradicating Corruption
The gathering yielded several recommendations to address corruption in Tunisia’s finance sector:
- Establish key rule of law institutions: Participants emphasized the urgency of completing the establishment of institutions such as the Constitutional Court and other bodies mandated by the 2014 Tunisian Constitution.
- Strengthen electronic management systems: Building an integrated information system can reduce human interference and tampering, speeding up slow administrative procedures that often incentivize corruption.
- Develop a plan to tackle corrupt sectors: Participants suggested a rapid response to counter the worst instances of corruption, increasing confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
- Increase resources for monitoring institutions: Strengthening human and financial resources given to anti-corruption bodies is crucial for their effectiveness.
- Reduce cash transactions: Reducing cash transactions can help track and monitor activities more easily, reducing parallel economies and informal trade.
- Review state-controlled monopolies: Participants suggested reviewing monopolies governing products not produced in Tunisia, encouraging smuggling and recommending imports with necessary custom impositions.
- Dismantle the culture of nepotism, cronyism, and impunity: The prevailing culture needs to be dismantled through a durable policy.
- Exercise due diligence in selecting officials: Officials responsible for countering corruption should meet specific requirements and qualifications, ensuring their integrity and preventing public erosion of trust.
These recommendations aim to combat corruption in Tunisia’s finance sector, ultimately contributing to a more stable and prosperous economy.