This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
What is the status of corruption and anti-corruption in Turkey?
Note
A 2014 update of this Helpdesk answer is now available. See the answer
Content
1. Overview of corruption in Turkey
2. Anti-corruption efforts in Turkey
3. References
Summary
According to some observers, Turkey has made progress in terms of democratic political reforms, economic liberalisation and commitment to EU oriented reforms in the last decade, triggered by the country’s accession to full EU membership candidacy status in 1999. However, the situation of human rights, especially with regard to minorities and political freedoms remain an issue of great concern that may undermine the country’s growing standing in the region. In spite of progress made, the country also continues to be confronted to major challenges of rampant corruption, with both petty and grand forms of corruption permeating many sectors of the society, including the public sector, the private sector, political parties and the military.
The government has taken steps to address corruption challenges in the country. Major international anticorruption conventions have been signed and ratified, an anti-corruption action plan has been adopted in 2010 and the government has implemented a comprehensive series of reforms aimed at reducing red tape and related opportunities for corruption and improving the country business environment.
In spite of these measures, progress in the fight against corruption remains limited and concerns have been raised in a number of areas. There is no central body in charge of developing and evaluating anti-corruption policies, inadequate coordination of the various institutions involved in the fight against corruption and no independent body in charge of monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption measures. In spite of greater civil awareness and participation, the 2010 strategic action plan on reducing corruption was designed with no consultation of non-governmental actors and civil society only has limited oversight over the implementation of national anti-corruption policies. Very strong immunity regulations for high ranking public officials are considered to be an important obstacle to the fight against corruption and the country needs to improve its legislation on the financing and auditing of political parties.
Authors
Marie Chêne, Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Robin Hodess Ph.D, Transparency International, [email protected]
Date
17/01/2012
