Statement on the Occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day
The International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated throughout the world on 9 December. Corruption is a serious crime which impedes economic and social development, eradication of poverty, rational management of state resources and effective delivery of public services.
Despite the reforms implemented in this area since 2004, corruption remains a serious problem in Georgia. Although petty bribery is extremely rare in our country, there are still significant dangers in terms of more complex forms of corruption, especially at higher levels of government.
The factors which contribute to the risks of high-level corruption in Georgia today include the shortcomings of the democratic system of checks and balances, resulting from the weakness of key institutions (first and foremost, Parliament and the judiciary). Inadequately regulated connections between public officials and private companies remain a potential source of corruption, while the law enforcement bodies are incapable of investigating high-level corruption effectively due to their insufficient independence from the political leadership. Eliminating nepotism, patronage and favoritism in the civil service and transforming it into an independent and professional institution remains a challenge.
In order to achieve further progress in the fight against corruption, the Georgian Government needs to continue reforming anti-corruption policy and legislation, while also taking steps toward the establishment of a more pluralistic and democratic political system. The Government must, in particular:
Ensure strengthening of Parliament’s and judiciary’s supervisory role
Promote strengthening of political parties and establishment of a more equal electoral environment
Respect the independence of key oversight institutions (including the State Audit Office and the Prosecutor’s Office)
Establish a strong and independent body responsible for investigating corruption (especially high-level corruption) and, more broadly, ensure effective enforcement of anti-corruption legislation in practice.
Take effective steps toward the establishment of a genuinely independent, depoliticized and professional civil service.
In order to improve transparency and accountability in government, adopt the freedom of information law, incorporating the recommendations made by the civil society and international partners
Take measures to reduce corruption risks in political party financing and public procurement
Facilitate the development of independent media and investigative journalism