Low level corruption – in North Macedonia
Low level corruption being highlighted in pre-accession European countries is worrisome. This article, from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) , lauds the fact that they, in conjunction with the North Macedonia Judicial Academy, have developed a curriculum to address low level corruption. This is both worrisome and disappointing as those of us who worked in North Macedonia believed that the country, on its’s way to pre-accession, did not have the type of low-level corruption which afflicts less developed countries. The question then is whether the donor is becoming a party to encouraging enforcement of low-level corruption, while higher level of corruption and grand corruption can happily thrive, using corrupt customs officials as indicators of “success” in fighting corruption. As a screen for avoiding more work on the bigger issues, UNODC may need to check that it is not being taken advantage of in this scenario. The fact that the Chief Judge notes that “low-scale corruption” or petty corruption, affects citizens in their daily lives: it’s the everyday abuse of power by public officials, who request or take bribes in their interactions with citizens for granting access to basic goods and services. It can happen in any sector, whether by obtaining official documents, acquiring construction permits, avoiding fines, securing better grades at university or even receiving medical treatments.” And it should be addressed but should not be an easy way out for government and the donors.
With all of this in mind, what needs to be done? Knowing the civil society actors in North Macedonia, they should take up the fight against shifting the focus away from grand corruption. There have been many instances of accusations of grand corruption, and they should continue to be the focus. Additionally, the judiciary should also step up and also encourage the move against grand corruption. Petty corruption exists when there is a greater feeling of impunity in a country, so this should also be a concern for everyone involved in anti-corruption. North Macedonia can and should do better.
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