Skopje, 15 April 2025 (MIA) - Corruption is widespread and acceptable for a majority of the citizens and fighting it is more difficult in such a situation, said Aleksandar Krzhalovski, the head of the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) at the “Fight against corruption: Innovations against illicit power” panel discussion hosted by MCIC on Tuesday.

“What is notable not only for Macedonia, but also the entire Balkan region, is that the situation has worsened in the past decade. There was progress when negotiations were launched with Serbia and Montenegro, as well as in our country between 2010 and 2015, but since then, in the past 10 years, the situation with corruption has worsened everywhere in the region, except maybe Montenegro,” Krzhalovski said.

According to Krzhalovski, the discussion aims to examine illicit financial flows and how institutions become non-functional and captured by ruling parties which halts the development of countries in the region, leading to a decline in trust in the system, growing corruption and stagnating or declining growth.  

Ahead of the discussion, Arben Fetai, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance, said the Government wouldn’t tolerate “a lack of responsibility and accountability, status quo situations or compromises”.

The Deputy PM said the nightclub fire in Kochani has shown that corruption kills, adding that over 135 citizens have died in previous tragedies. 

“The Government has inherited a rotten system, but it is fully committed and wants to build a system that will work,” Fetai said.

Deputy PM Fetai added that the withdrawal of US assistance in the fight against corruption can be felt, stressing that the country is faced with a serious test that requires urgent action and dialogue with civil society. 

Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the European Union’s Delegation in North Macedonia, pointed to research on perception of corruption in the region and the fact that 37 percent of citizens accept corruption, noting that such a mentality is the basis for the development of corruption. He pointed to the need of further improvement of the legislation, defining specific aims, as well as political solutions at the highest level. “However,” he stressed, “this is a task for the entire society”. 

The goal of the discussion, hosted by MCIC and the Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity (SELDI) is to bring together key policymakers, civil society and the international development community to discuss innovative ideas and urgent activities for reengagement of governments in the region in the fight against corruption, illicit financial flows and strategic corruption. It also aims to examine legal gaps that enable money laundering, bypassing sanctions and trade with dual-use goods. 

Photo: MIA