Skopje, 4 December 2025 (MIA) - Citizens rightfully expect results and want to see the promised anti-corruption efforts put into action. Fighting corruption isn’t a contest between institutions but a united front for a better society, said the president of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC), Adem Chuchulj, at Thursday’s event marking International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9.

In his address, the newly elected president of the SCPC emphasized that it is a great honor to lead this institution, but stressed that the responsibility it carries is even greater, especially at a time when public expectations are high and the need for integrity and systemic change is essential and urgent.

He highlighted the Commission’s key upcoming activities aimed at building a more effective system for corruption prevention: drafting the new National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption 2026–2030, promoting integrity, and raising public awareness about lobbying.

“The goals of these mechanisms is to strengthen public trust in the institutions, enhance their capacity to protect the public interest and help bring North Macedonia closer to the European family,” Chuchulj said.

He added that the drafting of new National Strategy is in its final phase, and their vision is for it not to remain merely a declaration but to become a tool for real change.

“Accordingly, the Strategy will be concise and sector-focused, addressing the areas most susceptible to corruption through clear and attainable measures and actions. Its successful implementation requires the commitment of society as a whole, Parliament, the Government, local self-government, the judiciary, civil society, and the media,” Chuchulj said.

Regarding integrity, he noted that establishing a system of responsible accountability and implementing the measures and activities that will be defined is especially important, if not the most important.

“Integrity is a term we hear more and more often. It is not an administrative procedure; it is moral capital. It is the foundation of good governance and a strategic, sustainable response to corruption risks. The stronger the integrity, the lower the corruption,” Chuchulj said, adding that the SCPC has been promoting the integrity system for several years and supporting the work of integrity officers within institutions.

He said that adapting and implementing the integrity system in the judiciary will be a major challenge, and with partner support, they will invest maximum effort in the coming period.

On lobbying, he stressed that modern democracies allow communication between institutions, citizens, and the private sector, but when it happens outside official frameworks, it creates risks.

“Therefore, the goal of the SCPC in the coming period is to raise awareness about lobbying - that lobbying must be regulated. Contacts with public office holders should be transparent. The public must know when, who, and on whose behalf influences decision-making. The aim is to put an end to the culture of informal centers of power and to build a system in which influence is legitimate. In the coming period, with the support of international partners, we will undertake activities to raise public awareness of lobbying through an inclusive process involving all relevant stakeholders,” he added.

Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi underscored that corruption is not merely a legal violation, but a deep societal wound that affects the life of every citizen, shakes the foundations of democracy, and slows economic potential.

“Corruption is the invisible hand stealing people’s rights and hopes. Sadly, it drives our brightest minds abroad. This is a reality confirmed by every international report and domestic survey. When citizens equate ‘politics’ with ‘corruption,’ it shows a deeper societal wound, rooted in years of abuse and disappointment. Facing this, we must not only react but also reflect together, acknowledge the challenge openly, and act boldly,” Gashi said.

He added that the National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption 2026–2030 represents a necessary turning point and reflects a new vision for how the state should function, a vision built on serious risk analysis, European best practices, and extensive consultations with institutions, experts, international partners, and civil society.

“As the Strategy reaches its most intensive preparation phase, I want to emphasize the work of the State Anti-Corruption Commission and reaffirm the Parliament’s full support. No strategy, however well-designed, can succeed without a responsible, active, and independent Parliament. The Parliament is the cornerstone of the rule of law and the standard-bearer for public integrity. Legislatively, we prevent abuse; through oversight, we hold the executive accountable; and as representatives, we speak for citizens who expect and deserve justice and honesty,” Gashi said.

“Since taking on the responsibility of leading this institution, I have prioritized a new standard of transparency, stronger accountability, improved institutional ethics, and greater openness of the Parliament to society,” he said.

“We have launched several new digitalization processes and consolidated the mechanisms that make the Parliament an example of integrity, because only an institution that maintains the highest moral and legal standards can demand the same from others and truly contribute to a just and non-corrupt state. Therefore, when it comes to the Parliament, I want to be precise and clear: the Parliament is not an observer in this battle, but the compass guiding the country along the path of integrity,” Gashi added.

Gashi said that the fight against corruption does not happen on its own and is not limited to laws and strategies. As he noted, it requires a culture of integrity, personal example, political accountability, and social awareness; it is prevented and overcome when we reject indifference.

Photo: MIA