Ladies and gentlemen, honoured friends,

Corruption is a global phenomenon occurring both in developed and developing countries, which has been present at every point in time in almost every society, only to a different extent. Although its manifestations vary from country to country depending on the degree of economic development and cultural differences, corruption is basically the same evil no matter where it appears. In Serbia, it has risen with alarming speed in the past fifteen years due to our country’s specific position in the past and the ties between the ruling elite and certain business circles, which created a special connection between financial support for the political structures in power, and political support and protection for those operating outside the law. In the world, the phenomenon of corruption is mostly blamed on liberalisation and globalization, widespread introduction and use of new technologies and the growing role of multinational corporations.

Corruption is a serious threat to the rule of law, stability and safety of the society. It endangers the just division of resources because it undermines democratic values and institutions and disrupts social, economic and political development and the exercise of human rights.

The ties between corruption and other crime, particularly organised crime, terrorism, drug trafficking and other economic crime at the national and international level are very alarming.

Integrity, accountability and transparency of the political system and civil service are the basic conditions for trust, credibility and authority of the government of a modern and democratic society.

The appearance of new types of corruption along with their more traditional counterparts calls for intensifying international cooperation, including establishing an international legal framework and speedy implementation of relevant international instruments.

By performing their duty as set out in national constitutions, parliaments pass laws, monitor the Government, represent the people and play a notable role in the global attempts to suppress corruption.

Most parliaments have the authority to set up the legal framework for the organisation and administration of public affairs. In principle, the parliament should promote the principles of integrity of politicians, institutions and civil servants and the transparency of state administration.

Of course, for something like that to happen, the legislative activity has to be adequate. First of all, an adequate set of anti-corruption laws incriminating corruption and ensuring adequate penalties and other deterrents. Specifically, the Criminal Code should be amended, as should other areas of law, so as to reduce the level of corruption and related criminal offenses, as well as introduce more severe penalties to deter potential offenders.

There should also be legislation favouring the integrity of MPs and other civil servants, including Government members, while controlling the implementation of said law should be put into focus. This law should, among other things, include ethical codes of conduct, declaration of interest, conflict of interest etc.

Whether the law ensuring transparency and accountability in state and public affairs is under adequate supervision is also something that should be continuously monitored.

The law on freedom of information which makes it possible to reveal all the information relevant to the citizens and the parliament representing the citizens, especially in corruption investigations would continue to be promoted.

Legislation that stimulates transparency of the election process thus raising the legitimacy of the elected parliament should to be promoted. Legislation such as this should, among other things, oblige the political parties and groups to reveal their sources of funding.

It is also important to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations on public procurement procedures.

Parliaments should fully use the mechanisms set by the constitution and other laws to supervise the Government and promote transparency and accountability through the activity of relevant committees.

It is also extremely important to ensure the independent and unimpeded work of agencies and institutions as independent bodies controlling the work of the Government and other state bodies and structures, as well as allow the Government and parliament the opportunity to follow and assess their reports and analyses.

The institute of transparency and the strict mechanism of control over all the levels of government as well as civil servants should ensure that only the most competent and morally correct people are elected to public office. Adequate mechanisms to sanction public officials found guilty of crime in the discharge of their duties need to be set up, as do high standards for the prevention of conflict of interest for public sector employees and effective measures against illegal accumulation of wealth, including adequate sanctions for people using public office for private interests.

All the parliaments and MPs represent the people and it is their duty to make sure the citizens participate in public affairs to a more significant extent. That is why the public should be encouraged to denounce corruption and, to that end, the parliament should extend legal and other protection from coercion to all persons taking active part in the fight against corruption.

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured friends,

The current legislature of the National Assembly and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, especially the First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, as well as a great many conscientious civil servants have been battling corruption in the previous period by accepting the principle of zero tolerance. The fight has given significant results. As regards the National Assembly, we are doing and will do even more to eradicate corruption, especially the kind that has led the country into a difficult economic situation. Through the legislative activity, the committees’ work and the Assembly’s control role, as well as transparency we fight to not only reach European legislative standards on the way to European Union, but to turn Serbia into a land of prosperity, a country of safe investments and equal opportunities for all who want to work.

Thank you!