Corruption is multi-layered and complex and its treatment in a society should be done at different levels in a society respectively. The measures that will be taken should aim not only at combating the phenomenon, but also at prevention. But the most important thing is for people to be able to understand the concept of corruption, which is not limited to startups and fraud.
Corruption is bribery, favoritism, illegal gratuities, financial blackmail, bribery (envelope) and conflict of interest. Corrupt is not only the one who receives a kind of bribe to perform a service, but also the one who bribes someone directly or indirectly by asking for a service, for example at a professional level, or the doctor's bag in a hospital or the service to someone public sector.
The issue of corruption resurfaced last week due to a report on corruption published last week by Transparency International. According to the report on the Corruption Perceptions Index in Cyprus, our country dropped 15 places in the international ranking, which is a negative development, as the Corruption Perceptions Index is a reference point for interested investors and tourists. Transparency International Cyprus has from time to time submitted various proposals to address the phenomenon in various areas.
The President of Transparency International Cyprus, Maria Kapardi, exposes the organization's activities at various levels, starting with the main issue which is firstly the recognition of what 'corruption' means and secondly the education for creating an anti-corruption culture from his age elementary school.
As Ms. Kapardi mentioned, there is the customer relationship between the parties and the citizens, but there is also the customer relationship with the companies. "As the Eurobarometer showed, Cypriot companies, that is, Cypriot businessmen, believe that entanglement is part of their business culture and that they need political connections to succeed," he said. "This is worrying because it creates the customer relationship. Through this customer relationship, the "lobby" is created, ie the favored groups or individuals, through their links, persuade the officials to implement a specific practice or to pass a specific legislation that favors them.
When this is done, the procedures followed are considered legal, even though the ultimate goal is to benefit the close associates and the interests of those involved. With this form of corruption, we have reached, too many countries, here we are. "For this, appropriate measures must be taken to aim at suppressing corruption, but also to prevent these practices," he said.
Continuing, Ms. Kapardi explained that this brings us to the part of political corruption and the need to introduce some good practices from the State to the State starting from the state officials and moving down, that is, to the citizens. "There was a suggestion from Greco, the European Commission and us for legislation that you wanted for the elected and state officials.
"Unfortunately, the enactment of this legislation has not yet taken place", said Ms. Kapardi, noting that it is not only a matter of legislation. "We also need to look at ways to enforce and control legislation on what you want," he added. "So one part concerns the desire you have, while the second part that GREGO proposes in its last evaluation, is the introduction of a code of conduct for the deputies.
The Member States against Corruption (GREGO) proposed 8 proposals for the MPs, 4 for the Judiciary and 4 for the Legal Service and ask for them to be implemented by January 2018. So we do not have too much time and the legislators to start looking at these suggestions. The code of good conduct should refer to the extra-parliamentary activities of the deputies that can create conflicts of interest, in Pothen Esches, in the receipt of gifts, gratuities, future employment, in lobbying, etc.
Creating a cross-party group
Among the suggestions of Transparency International is the creation of a cross-party committee, in which besides the parties and various other bodies will take part. The main task of this Commission will be to discuss the creation of bills and other good practices in the fight against corruption. "Although several MPs were positive when we proposed it, when the issue went to the party leaders, they told us that they do not need this Commission," said Ms. Kapardi. "But we must say that there are such committees in other countries as well. In the United Kingdom, for example, such a committee, set up a few years ago, is very successful because its members study the good practices that exist in other countries and how they can be implemented in their own country, and Members are informed immediately and proceed to their institutionalization, "he said.
He also added that in addition to transparency in the implementation of legislation, the regulation of the so-called "lobby" has been proposed. "Individuals / groups consulting with government officials or MPs should make public the issue discussed and the date. This should be done by both parties. The EU is now preparing legislation on this issue, so it is appropriate to start the debate on this issue in Cyprus as well ", added Ms. Kapardi. "We have also proposed political accountability.
Whether we have elections or not, elected officials must inform voters / taxpayers every year about the projects / action / legislation / good practices that have been successful this year.
"The taxpayer has the right to know," he noted.
Coordination of ministries and services for strikes on all fronts
Recently, it has been acknowledged that several steps have been taken in the right direction to tackle corruption in Cyprus, including the good cooperation between the Attorney General, the Auditor General and the Chief of Police. But we still have a long way to go. "I must mention that the Ministry of Justice and Public Order has begun to take action," said Kapardi. "In other words, the writing of a National Strategic Plan for the fight against corruption has begun to be studied. This was also suggested by the European Union in its report in 2014. Now there is a relevant committee in the Ministry of Justice and this is very positive. The minister himself suggested ways to tackle corruption in the Police and legislation has been prepared to protect witnesses in the public interest.
At the same time, the legislation on the Right of Access to Public Sector Information is ready for consultation in the Legal Committee. The General Accounting Office has applied very good practices in the field of Public Procurement and the transparency of public sector expenditures. In other words, some legislative regulations and good practices have begun to be adopted. But that is not enough. "If we are to tackle corruption effectively, we must tackle it in all areas and by all actors."
Adding that "Transparency International-Cyprus has started a program of education for primary school children with very positive results. The children themselves have shown interest and are watching issues related to corruption and discussing them at home with their parents. A poetry and painting competition was announced for this subject for all students from Primary to High School. It is a way for students to express their thoughts and concerns. "We also co-organize camps with various organizations and our minister visits schools where he talks to children about issues of integrity, transparency and corruption."
In conclusion, Ms. Kapardi emphasizes that positive steps have already been taken to effectively address and reduce corruption in our country. But much is yet to come. To this end, he suggests the creation of an Independent Authority against Corruption, an institution that has succeeded in many other countries of the common law and could be adapted for implementation in our Cyprus. In order to promote this institution, an evaluation study of existing models against corruption internationally is being prepared, which includes a specific costed proposal.
intervention
The bankruptcy of a system
The most important thing is for citizens to understand what corruption is and what it means. The quintessence of the issue is largely hidden in this proposal, put forward by the president of Transparency International-Cyprus. To tackle corruption as a society we must perceive it as a society and change culture. Corruption is also rusfetti, corruption is also the exploitation of our circumstances or acquaintances for our benefit. From the small everyday, a culture of tolerance towards the big issues of corruption has been cultivated all these years. The bankruptcy of such a system was inevitable. Now we demand responsibilities and punishment. But change must first begin with ourselves.
Source: Liberal