This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Can you please provide an overview of and background to recent measures taken to address political corruption in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia? We are particularly interested in elections, political party financing, codes of conduct, asset declaration, immunity, conflict of interest and lobbying.
Content
1. Overview of political corruption in FYROM
2. Elections
3. Party financing
4. Immunity
5. Conflict of interest
6. Code of Conduct
7. Asset declaration
8. Lobbying
9. References
Summary
Every government that has been in power in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since independence has declared the fight against corruption a priority. However, according to observers, the actions of the government have been rather superficial. Although progress has been made in establishing the legal and institutional framework for fighting corruption, implementation of anti-corruption laws and independent handling of corruption cases by the relevant supervisory bodies and courts remains a major challenge.
Political corruption manifested through instances of abuse of power, conflict of interest and dubious practices of financing political parties and election campaigns is widespread, while political interference in all spheres of governance seriously hampers the implementation of anti-corruption reforms.
This answer considers challenges and progress in the area of elections, party financing, immunity, codes of conduct, conflict of interest, asset declarations and lobbying.
Authors
Tinatin Ninua, Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Marie Chêne, Finn Heinrich, Transparency International
Date
01/04/2014
