Corruption Perception Index (CPI) that was published two days ago by Transparency International, shows the results of research concerning widespreadness of corruption in which participants from 175 states (and dependent teritories) take part. Research is done annualy since 1995, and defines corruption as „misuse of public authority for private benefit“.
CPI is shown through 0 – 100 scale, where Serbia recieved 41 points this year, one down from 2013. Serbia is ranked 78 which is a drop from 72 where it was positioned last year, which led to Serbia being passed over by Bulgaria. Although a slight step forward was made last year concerning corruption perception, this year Serbia had, also slight, drop on the CPI ranking.
One should have in mind that change in perception of corruption does not reflect factual progress in combating corruption in Serbia (whether corruptive activities have been reduced or not), but is a significant indicator that even though combating corruption was proclaimed as one of the pillars of current Government, activities that have been taken in that direction have not positively affected how corruption is percieved in consideration with state officials and public servants. When CPI results for 2013 are analyzed, it should be taken into consideration that in that year some major cases were opened (such as Miroslav Mišković) which can be seen as effective for decrease in corruption perception. Continuance of „major case effect“ can be questioned due to lack of (so far) final judgements.
Reasons for these results that have been repeating over the years with small fluctuations should be sought in the way economy is regulated and the influence of political power in different segments of society. From daily encounters with party employment and nepotism to complicated bureaucratic procedures in which mistakes are easily made, leading individuals to situations in which they are incentivized to engage in corruption in order to satisfy some basic business or personal requirements. It is indicative that, according to research we have published in October this year, public sector of Serbia is rock bottom concerning public sector efficiency compared to countries from Central and Southeastern Europe. That innefficiency is precisely one of the most significant generators of corruption.
Corruption Perception Index ranking can be viewed as recognition of intentions to, by various regulations from the state, provide privilege. Such are regulations that provide upper hand to certain professions in comparison to their competitors, or create cartels or monopolies on specific markets. Examples are passing and beginning of implementation of the Notary Law or cartelization of taxi transport in some cities such as Belgrade.
Perception of corruption is affected also by whether people believe that battle against corruption is selective. Numerous affairs, such as revealed plagiarism in phds of highly positioned politicians, have been silenced after initial wave of discontent started by civil society, without recieving proper outcomes. These affairs were mostly badly covered up which solidified the opinion that corruption of the state and public services is widespread.
By increasing scope of discretionary decision-making, setting up monopolies, cartels and privileged positions, as well as by keeping transparency and responsibility absent, position of Serbia at the Corruption Perception Index will not improve. Far more important, citizens of Serbia will not live in a better and more just society. Decrease of bureaucracy with improvement of efficiency of public sector, as well as understanding that even regulations crafted with best intentions often result in undesired and unforseen consequences, are the way forward to decrease in corruption and securing rule of law in Serbia.