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Perception of corruption at the household level 4

th round, November, 2011

Report prepared for:

UNDP Serbia

Serbia Corruption Benchmarking Survey, 4th round, November, 2011

Disclaimer note: the statements made in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the Government of the Republic of Serbia or the United Nations Development Programme.

2

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................3

1. ABOUT THE CORRUPTION BENCHMARKING PROJECT .............................................5

1.1. SURVEY BACKGROUND ...................................................................................... 5

1.2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5

1.3. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................ 5

2. SURVEY RESULTS .............................................................................................6

2.1. SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION ........................................................................... 6

2.2. CONCERNS: BASIC SOCIAL ISSUES .................................................................... 7

2.3. EXPERIENCE WITH CORRUPTION ........................................................................ 8

2.4. LEVEL OF CORRUPTION ................................................................................... 10

2.5. PERCEPTIONS AND BELIEFS REGARDING CORRUPTION ....................................... 12

2.6. CORRUPTION BY SECTOR ................................................................................ 13

2.7. COMBATING CORRUPTION ............................................................................... 15

2.8. PREVENTING CORRUPTION .............................................................................. 17

2.9. INFORMING ABOUT CORRUPTION ..................................................................... 18

2.10. ANTI–CORRUPTION AGENCY .......................................................................... 18




3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Experience with corruption

Almost 40% of respondents report that someone from their closest social network has

paid a bribe and 11% report their personal involvement in corruption.

In most cases, the bribe was given to doctors, followed by police officers and state

administration employees.

The average amount of money paid as a bribe is €178, which is less than in the previous

round but more than in the first two rounds of questioning.

2. Perception of corruption

In November 2011 a greater proportion of respondents perceive corruption as having

increased compared to the previous survey of October 2010.

Expectations of reducing corruption in the year ahead are more negative than in all

previous rounds of research.

In citizens` opinions, only the government and state institutions have the power to

confront corruption and they should assume the lead role in the fight against corruption.

At the same time, these institutions are perceived as being highly corrupt.

It is necessary to strengthen the NGO sector and citizen awareness during this period

that sees the public increasingly recognizing its role in this struggle.

Respondents place an emphasis in fighting corruption on imposing harsher legal

penalties, though the proportion of importance given to transparency has also

significantly increased.

3. Positive factors

Citizens themselves are becoming more aware of their role in the fight against corruption

and, accordingly, need to be provided with more places where they could report

instances of corruption.

Tolerance and acceptance of corruption has reduced among citizens.

The image of the judiciary and the professions connected to it, such as defence lawyers,

judges and prosecutors, improved slightly in the fight against corruption compared to the

previous round of questioning.

4. Negative factors

Corruption is cited more often as a social problem in Serbia than in previous research.

Political life is perceived as an area where corruption is rife and politicians are perceived

as having no real will to fight corruption, due to their own corrupt practices.

The sectors of international aid and donor projects, tax administration, private

businesses, banks and the financial sector are viewed, in November 2011, as being more

corrupt than in October 2010.




4

5. Anti-corruption Agency

Awareness of the Anti-corruption Agency is at a similar level as in previous rounds

(63%). However, there is a perception that the agency has only contributed to the fight

against corruption to a lesser extent.




5

1. ABOUT THE CORRUPTION BENCHMARKING PROJECT

1.1. SURVEY BACKGROUND

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Government of

Serbia and civil society efforts to promote governance, accountability and transparency, and

to combat corruption by monitoring corruption perceptions and the incidence of corruption at

the household level. The survey will serve to inform advocacy and future programming that

will build capacities, educate and raise awareness within the public and private sectors.

1.2. INTRODUCTION

TNS Medium Gallup conducted the initial Corruption Benchmarking Survey in October 2009,

the second round in March 2010 and the third in October 2010. This report presents the

results of the fourth round, conducted in November 2011.

The main goal of the survey was to explore Serbian citizens` perception of the level of

corruption in Serbia, as well as their experience with corruption. The survey gathers data on

public attitudes and the scope and incidence of corruption nationwide. The baseline for the

survey and the questionnaire design was the Transparency International Corruption

Barometer and benchmarking studies conducted in comparable countries.

1.3. METHODOLOGY

Survey type: Ad hoc quantitative field survey, 4th round

Technique: Direct, face-to-face interview

Questionnaire: Structured questionnaire: the same questionnaire is used in all four

rounds (except for the question regarding the Anti-corruption Agency, which was posed

only in the second, third and fourth rounds). In the fourth round, question K14 was

reconfigured. The question initially referred to a comparison of success in the fight

against corruption between the current and previous governments, while now it refers

only to the efficiency of the current government in the fight against corruption.

Fieldwork period: November 04th – 11th, 2011.

SAMPLE (COVERAGE AND SIZE)

Territory and target group: Serbia, Voting population of Serbia (18+)

Initial survey

October 2009

2nd round

March 2010

3rd round

October 2010

4rd round

November 2011

TOTAL SAMPLE N= 1014

respondents

N= 601

respondents

N= 600

respondents

N= 604

respondents

Belgrade sub-

sample N=239 N=175 N=184 N=135

The Belgrade sub-sample is represented as proposed by the pre-set methodology, while

North, South, East and West Serbia are represented proportionally to their share of the total

population.




6

2. SURVEY RESULTS

2.1. SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION

Serbian citizens’ general impression regarding developments in their country is rather

pessimistic. The majority feel that Serbia is heading in the wrong direction, while only 14%

think that the country is heading the right way. There are also a high number of undecided

respondents, revealing citizens` general confusion regarding this topic.

A comparison with all previous survey rounds shows that fewer respondents currently think

that things are heading in the right direction.

Results regarding the financial situation paint a grim picture. In November 2011, 51% of

citizens describe their financial situation as bad or even unbearable. Only a small number of

people are living pretty well, while 1% describes their situation as very good.

The dispersal of answers is very similar to those recorded in previous rounds. In November

2011, compared to the period one year earlier, slightly more people describe their financial

situation as bad, but fewer people describe it as unbearable.

25%

65%

10%

19%

67%

14%

22%

62%

16%

14%

73%

12%

Right direction

Wrong direction

Don`t know/No answer

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

11%

10%

14%

12%

37%

37%

39%

35%

38%

38%

34%

45%

11%

13%

10%

6%

1%

1%

3%

1%

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Exceptionally good Fairly good Bearable Bad Unbearable Do not know/no answer

In general, do you feel that things in Serbia are going in the right or in the wrong direction?

How would you evaluate your current financial situation? Would you say it is...?




7

When asked directly, more than half of respondents (54%) say that their current financial

situation is worse than 12 months ago, while 39% declare that it has remained the same

and only 5% say that it has improved.

Expectations regarding next year are not very optimistic either. More than half of

respondents (55%) expect there to be no change regarding their finances in the year ahead,

32% expect further deterioration, while 13% of people expect improvement. A more positive

attitude is displayed among young people - 20% of them believe they will prosper financially

next year. Negative expectations are much more common in Vojvodina, eastern Serbia and

central-western Serbia than in southern Serbia. However, the number of those who believe

that their household’s financial situation will remain the same is significantly higher in

southern Serbia. People in urban areas are more likely to consider that the situation will

remain the same, while people in rural areas tend to believe that it will worsen.

2.2. CONCERNS: BASIC SOCIAL ISSUES

Unemployment proves to be the biggest and most important problem concerning the people

of Serbia today – 41% of respondents report this problem. Poverty (21%), corruption (12%)

and low wages (7%) also prove to be major and frequently cited problems.

Unemployment and poverty have been the most serious chronic problems burdening the

citizens of Serbia for a long time and they are mentioned most frequently in all four rounds

of the survey. Corruption fell to fifth place in October 2010 from third in October, 2009, then

from fourth in March 2010 to again find itself ranked third among social troubles in

November 2011.

Longitudinal observations of social climate and problems perceived by Serbian citizens as the

most burdening reveal that 86% of respondents repeatedly mention five major problems.

Lack of opportunities for young people is a field that has witnessed change compared to

previous research. In October 2009 this was mentioned as the most important problem by

7% of respondents, in March and October 2010 this attitude was shared by 8% to 9% of the

population, while in November 2011 it was most important to only 4% of the population.

High state political issues, such as relations with the European Union and Kosovo, are rarely

mentioned; the citizen’s highest priorities are problems relating to everyday life.




8

2.3. EXPERIENCE WITH CORRUPTION

Indirect experience

In November 2011, 39% of respondents say that someone in their closest social circle

(relatives or close friends) has given a bribe in the previous three months. This is slightly

higher than in the previous round of October 2010 (34%). In 42% of all cases the bribe was

offered in order to receive some services, in 32% the bribe was directly sought and in 27%

of cases a bribe was offered to avoid problems with the authorities.

Direct experience

Fewer respondents (11%) report their direct involvement in corruption. The number of those

who paid (or admit to paying) a bribe is similar to results in previous rounds. The majority of

respondents who paid a bribe (56%) did so once, while 24% paid bribes twice, 12% paid

three times and 8% did it four or more times.

29%

23%

11%

7%

7%

9%

2%

2%

3%

3%

1%

2%

0%

35%

21%

8%

9%

8%

7%

1%

3%

3%

1%

1%

2%

1%

32%

23%

7%

10%

9%

4%

2%

2%

4%

3%

1%

2%

1%

41%

21%

12%

7%

5%

4%

3%

2%

2%

1%

1%

1%

0%

Unemployment

Poverty

Corruption

Low salaries

Lack of opportunities for young people

Crime and Protection

Bad education system

The weakness and inefficiency of institutions

Pension

Relations with Europe and EU

Kosovo

Health service

Economy

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

In your opinion, what is Serbia’s most important social, economic or political problem today?




9

In most cases the bribe was given to doctors (44%), then police officers (26%) and civil

servants (19%). The trend of corruption among public administration officials is growing,

though it is unchanged among the police and is declining among doctors. Corruption in other

sectors is rarely reported.

The average sum of money paid as a bribe in November 2011 is €178. This is lower than the

€255 paid in the previous survey round (October 2010) and slightly higher than the previous

€169 (March 2010) and €164 (October 2009). In most cases (70%), this payment had an

impact on personal budget to a great or moderate extent.

Those who paid bribes most commonly offered it themselves (70%), while 37% of

respondents say that the bribe was requested. In 25% of cases the bribe was offered to

receive some service and in 45% it was offered to avoid problems with the authorities. In

this round there is an increase of directly sought bribes, especially in comparison to the

previous round (23% in October 2010).

38%

15%

33%

16%

34%

13%

39%

11%

Indirect experience Direct experience

% of YES ANSWERS Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

50%

23%

12%

5% 2%

5% 5% 6%

13%

54%

19%

10% 6%

7% 6%

3% 4%

11%

57%

26%

13%

5% 3% 3% 1%

3% 3%

44%

26%

19%

7% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3%

Oct-09 Mar-10 Oct-10 Nov -11

Indirect experience: Has anyone close to you (cousins or close friends) paid a bribe in any form (gifts or money) in the past three months?

Direct experience: In the past three months have you paid a bribe in any form (gifts or money)?

ONLY RESPONDENTS WHO PAID A BRIBE: Who got paid? MULTIPLE RESPONSES




10

2.4. LEVEL OF CORRUPTION

Perception of current state

Just over a third of Serbian citizens perceive corruption as being stabilized at a certain level.

However, it is disappointing that in November 2011 a much larger proportion of respondents

believe corruption levels have increased over the previous year.

Expectations

Expectations for next year regarding the level of corruption are slightly more negative than

in previous rounds. In this round more people expect an increase and less expect a fall in

corruption levels during the year ahead. However, the percentage of citizens expecting the

level of corruption to remain the same is similar to figures recorded previous rounds and

negative expectations remain more frequent than positive.

32%

27%

42%

37%

45%

25%

A bribe was directly asked for

A bribe was offered to avoid a problem with

the authorities

A bribe was offered to receive some service

Indirect experience Direct experience

19%

25%

10%

23%

22%

20%

23%

25%

40%

38%

47%

35%

11%

7%

12%

10%

8%

9%

8%

7%

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Increased a lot Increased a little Stayed the same Decreased a little Decreased a lot DK/NA

In the past year, how has the level of corruption changed?

What were the circumstances under which your cousin/friend/you paid a bribe in the past three months? MULTIPLE ANSWERS NOVEMBER, 2011




11

Citizens believe that all spheres of life are affected by corruption to some extent. More than

half of respondents (51%) say that corruption affects their personal and family life and 72%

state that it affects their business environment to a large or moderate extent. However,

political life is perceived as an area where corruption is rife - 80% of respondents perceive it

as a field affected by corruption to a large or moderate extent.

We explored the perceived presence of specific corruption cases related to conflict of

interest, abuse of public positions and the financing of election campaigns in order to benefit

from that election’s results. Overall, the perceived level of these forms of corruption is still

very high. The three most common problems, according to respondents, are financing

election campaigns in order to receive benefits in return, diverting state funds to favour a

party’s own electorate and using a public position to aid friends and relatives.

14%

14%

8%

16%

18%

19%

17%

21%

41%

45%

43%

38%

16%

12%

17%

13%

9%

10%

14%

11%

Oct - 09

Mar -10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Increase a lot Increase a little Stay the same Decrease a little Decrease a lot DK/NA

56%

53%

51%

55%

53%

48%

38%

66%

62%

58%

58%

61%

62%

46%

62%

60%

58%

58%

58%

56%

44%

61%

59%

56%

56%

56%

54%

46%

Financing a politician’s/party’s election campaign with the assumption of favourable treatment if successful

Diverting funds to one’s own electorate

Using a public position to assist friends/relatives (i.e. hiring, providing permits)

Giving gifts or cash to teachers or medical staff

Conflict of interest (using a public position to promote the interests of a connected political party or business

group)

Using a public position to gain gifts, money

Distributing gifts during an election campaign

Scale 1 - 4, where 1 means "not at all" and 4 means "to a large extent". The graph shows % of 'Large extent'

answers

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Do you expect the level of corruption to change in the next year? Will it:

In your opinion, which of the following could be regarded as a corruption case?




12

2.5. PERCEPTIONS AND BELIEFS REGARDING CORRUPTION

The results from the fourth round confirm those from previous rounds. Citizens are basically

accustomed to corruption – 88% agree that corruption is commonplace in Serbia and 48%

agree that some level of corruption is to be expected. Ordinary people feel that they are the

victims of corruption in everyday life, while the elite are perceived as being protected and

disinterested regarding corruption (80%). Despite the fact that the fight against corruption

needs to be generated and led by the government, citizens seem to underestimate their own

role, contribution and responsibility. Slightly more than half of respondents (52%) think that

there is less corruption thanks to citizens themselves, while 57% think that a person giving

a bribe is as responsible as the one accepting it.

Could you express your opinion regarding the following statements?

Scale 1 – 4; The table shows % of answers "Mostly agree" and "Completely agree" with the statement

Oct-09 Mar-10 Oct-10 Nov-11

Corruption is commonplace in our country 87% 89% 83% 88%

A person giving a bribe is just as responsible as the one accepting it 57% 59% 58% 57%

The elite do not care much about low-level corruption that does not

affect them. Ordinary people alone carry the burden of everyday

corruption

76% 87% 81% 80%

Curbing corruption is a responsibility of citizens themselves 59% 54% 59% 52%

Some level of corruption is to be expected 60% 59% 56% 48%

Some level of corruption is acceptable 35% 32% 32% 28%

Respondents have a very negative perception of politicians and the judicial system. The

public feel that they have no real will to combat corruption, because they are themselves

corrupt. This was the prevailing opinion through all four rounds of the survey. Furthermore,

the majority believes that the government/politicians are incapable of stopping corruption

and that, consequently, should be replaced. Furthermore, the belief that the police are too

corrupt to investigate cases of corruption has increased compared to last year, from 60% to

72%.

The work of NGOs in curbing corruption is perceived as complementing the work of

government institutions. Nearly two thirds of respondents (63%) think that only government

institutions are capable of stopping corruption, since NGOs do not have adequate capacities.

Almost half of respondents perceive NGOs as institutions with a significant role to play in the

fight against corruption.




Politicians have no real will to fight corruption, as many of them benefit

from it 81% 87% 84% 83%

The Judicial System has a role to play, but is too corrupt to deal with

corruption 79% 81% 80% 83%

Only police (with special authorities) could deal with widespread

corruption 62% 59% 62% 56%

Police are too corrupt to investigate corruption 70% 71% 60% 72%

As the existing government/politicians are incapable to stopping

corruption, they should be replaced 72% 74% 70% 82%

Recently adopted legislation on corruption will not function 52% 61% 53% 56%

NGOs are too weak (do not have the capacity) to fight corruption, only

government institutions could help to combat corruption 67% 69% 66% 63%

NGOs have a significant role to play in fighting corruption 37% 32% 36% 45%




13

Opinions regarding public administration and civil servants are generally similar to those of

October 2010. The percentage of those who believe that paying bribes is the only way to

overcome extensive bureaucracy has slightly increased from 48% in October 2010 to 52% in

November 2011. The prevailing opinion is still that severe penalties are the best measure for

reducing corruption in public administration. However, it is notable that there is some level

of understanding for corruption among public sector employees - 37% of respondents

believe that bribery is the only way for them to survive, due to their low salaries.




The only way to overcome extensive bureaucracy is to pay bribes 57% 55% 48% 52%

Sometimes giving a bribe helps to overcome unjust regulations 60% 62% 55% 55%

Municipality officials are generally corrupt 55% 59% 55% 56%

Due to their low salaries, bribes are the only way for the majority of

public employees to survive 37% 42% 40% 37%

The stronger the punitive measures for corruption, the better officials

will work 74% 76% 72% 73%

Young public servants are more corrupt 37% 33% 35% 37%

The prevailing opinion in all four rounds is that large companies are an important link in the

corruption chain. A large majority of citizens (74%) think that it is in the interests of major

enterprises to have a corrupt government that they are able to bribe, thereby realizing their

own interests. Small and medium-sized businesses are perceived as a sector negatively

affected by corruption.




Small and medium-sized businesses are most negatively affected by

corruption 56% 56% 56% 52%

Big business is interested in a corrupt government that it can benefit

from 75% 77% 75% 74%

2.6. CORRUPTION BY SECTOR

Political parties and the health system are perceived as the most corrupt sectors. They were

also perceived as being most affected by corruption in the previous rounds. The perception

of political parties as corrupt is most pronounced among citizens of southern Serbia and

Belgrade, while a more positive attitude towards politicians is shown by people from central-

western Serbia. The citizens of southern Serbia think that the health system is very corrupt,

considerably more so than citizens of Vojvodina.

Judges and government prosecutors have a bad reputation among citizens: two thirds

perceive them as being significantly or extremely corrupt. Prosecutors, lawyers and customs

officials are also in an unenviable position, with around 60% of people perceiving them as

corrupt.

The image of parliament and the police has somewhat deteriorated compared to the

previous period. Although the image of the police slightly increased between March and

October 2010, by November 2011 it had dropped back to the level of March 2010.




14

Residents of Belgrade and central-western Serbia tend to have more extreme views on

police corruption than residents of southern Serbia. Only 13% of southern Serbian citizens

consider police as extremely corrupt, while this opinion is shared by 34% of Belgraders and

31% of central-western Serbian citizens. If we look at the level of corruption gauged as

‘significant’ and ‘extreme’ corruption, we see that it is most negative in Belgrade (65%),

followed by central-western Serbia (64%)

Around half of citizens perceive city administration, media and the education sector as highly

corrupt. Citizens of Belgrade and southern Serbia are particularly dissatisfied (more than

citizens of other regions) by the level of corruption in city administrations.

International aid and donor projects, the tax office, private businesses, as well as banks and

the financial sector, are perceived in November 2011 as very corrupt sectors by about half of

the citizens of Serbia, which represents a worse result compared to October last year.

Slightly less than half of citizens think that there is a high level of corruption in the land

usage rights/cadastre sector, while the same number perceives the president of Serbia as

being corrupt. The image of the president has considerably worsened since October 2010. In

Vojvodina and eastern Serbia there are significantly fewer extremely negative opinions of

the Cadastre sector.

Slightly over a third of citizens believe there is a high level of corruption within local

governments: services for issuing certificates and permits, utilities services and the NGO

sector. In terms of the NGO sector, this percentage has fallen slightly since October 2010.

The military and religious bodies are perceived as being the least corrupt institutions, as was

the case in previous rounds.

76%

78%

70%

61%

65%

62%

72%

66%

65%

55%

48%

56%

51%

51%

39%

44%

43%

35%

37%

39%

33%

25%

23%

80%

70%

70%

66%

66%

65%

62%

68%

65%

55%

53%

47%

55%

53%

48%

55%

44%

40%

40%

38%

38%

28%

23%

74%

73%

68%

63%

67%

60%

63%

67%

57%

52%

54%

50%

45%

43%

37%

46%

36%

37%

37%

40%

35%

22%

27%

76%

74%

67%

67%

64%

63%

63%

63%

63%

55%

54%

52%

52%

50%

49%

49%

45%

45%

41%

36%

36%

28%

25%

Political parties

Health system

Judges

Government

Prosecutors

Parliament / legislature

Customs

Advocates/Lawyers

Police

City/administration

Media

Education

International aid and donor projects implementation

Tax office

Bank, financial sector

Business/ private sector

President

Land utilization/Cadastre

Local administration - registry and permit service …

NGOs

Utilities service (telephone, electricity, water supply)

Religious bodies

The military


To what extent do you perceive the following sectors in this country as being affected by corruption?

Scale 1 – 5; The graph shows % of answers "Significantly affected" and "Extremely affected"




15

2.7. COMBATING CORRUPTION

According to Serbian citizens, the government (51%) and the police (40%) should be

leading the fight against corruption. In November 2011 the government and the police are

less frequently mentioned in this sense. This reflects a decrease of trust in police initiatives

aimed at combating corruption. Citizens and civic initiatives, judiciary organizations and

special elite units are referred to as leaders of this fight more often than in previous rounds.

The efficiency of the current government’s efforts in the fight against corruption are mainly

viewed as being not at all effective (35%) or mostly ineffective (29%). Little efficacy is seen

by 30% of citizens. Only two percent rated the government’s efforts in this regard as being

highly effective.

In November 2011, insufficient control over public services is perceived as the major factor

hindering the fight against corruption. Other factors most commonly cited as hampering

anti-corruption efforts are the common practice of solving problems by using connections

outside the law, widespread corruption within bodies responsible for monitoring corruption

and a lack of good legislation with inadequate (too lenient) penalties for corruption. In

November 2011, 25% of citizens believe that there is a lack of will among politicians to

control corruption, which marks a decrease on last year. The public’s passivity and ignorance

are also deemed as hindering the fight against corruption. Moreover, far more respondents

now see a lack of options for reporting corruption as one of the problems.

49%

44%

29%

15%

8%

7%

6%

2%

1%

57%

41%

26%

19%

5%

6%

6%

2%

1%

50%

46%

29%

14%

4%

10%

4%

2%

0%

51%

40%

32%

19%

7%

5%

4%

2%

0%

Government

Police

Judiciary organizations

Citizens (movements)

Special elite unit

Parliament

President

NGOs

Other

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Who should lead the fight against corruption? TWO ANSWERS




16

A third of respondents say they would not pay a bribe if one was solicited. In 29% of cases,

they say they would try to avoid payment by looking for someone to help them, while 15%

of respondents would agree to pay a bribe if they had the money.

Some 13% of respondents would report bribe solicitation to law enforcement bodies; 10%

say they would report it to management and 8% would tell the press.

45%

38%

37%

26%

27%

23%

16%

8%

49%

40%

39%

25%

30%

20%

13%

9%

38%

40%

38%

25%

32%

20%

14%

3%

47%

32%

31%

29%

25%

20%

17%

11%

Inadequate control over public services

Widespread corruption within law enforcement bodies

Common practice of solving problems by utilising connections outside the law

Imperfect legislation or sanctions against corruption (i.e. light penalties etc.)

Lack of willingness to control corruption among political leaders

Public passivity

Public ignorance or lack of knowledge regarding their rights

Lack of options for reporting corruption

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

37%

30%

24%

16%

9%

14%

9%

33%

37%

20%

15%

8%

11%

5%

33%

30%

18%

13%

8%

10%

6%

33%

29%

15%

13%

10%

10%

8%

I would not pay

I would seek assistance in avoiding payment

I would pay if I had the money

I would report it to a law enforcement agency

I would do nothing and simply wait for the

situation to change

I would report it to management/senior officials

I would report it to the press

Oct-09

Mar-10

Oct-10

Nov-11

If you were in a situation in which you were directly requested to give a bribe to a public or private official, what would your possible reaction be? MULTIPLE RESPONSES

In your opinion, which factors most hinder efforts to combat corruption? MULTIPLE RESPONSES




17

2.8. PREVENTING CORRUPTION

On the whole, belief in the strong effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing corruption

has increased. It seems that people have gained faith that something could seriously be

done with regard to the reduction of corruption.

Strong punitive measures are perceived as the most efficient instrument for reducing

corruption. Respondents also believe that improving legislation and strengthening state

control over public administration would also reduce corruption levels.

Raising public awareness, strengthening civil society and increasing the transparency of

administrative decision-making are certainly perceived as important factors. However,

strong oversight mechanisms and legislation envisaging severe penalties are deemed crucial.

Increasing the salaries of public employees is perceived as being less related to the

prevention of corruption.

A potentially worrying ascertain among citizens is that transparency in the fight against

corruption is not so important, despite transparency actually representing one of the key

principles in that fight.

75%

54%

54%

52%

45%

35%

22%

70%

49%

52%

50%

41%

37%

25%

58%

42%

45%

40%

36%

32%

21%

66%

49%

48%

46%

41%

38%

30%

Strong punitive measures

Improving legislation (new Anti-corruption law, joining International

conventions, etc.)

Strengthening state control over public administration

Building public awareness

Strengthening civil (non-government) control over public

administration

Transparency in administrative decision-making

Increasing public employees' salaries

Oct-09

Mar-10

Mar-11

Nov-11

1 - 4 scale where 1 means "Not at all" and 4 means "To a large extent". The graph shows % of "Large extent" answers

To what extent do you think the following actions would be effective in preventing corruption?




18

2.9. INFORMING ABOUT CORRUPTION

As in previous rounds, the November 2011 results reveal that people are mainly informed

about corruption by the media (61%), while word of mouth (42%) and friends/relatives

(40%) are the second and third most common sources of information respectively. Personal

Experience represents a source for 20% of citizens.

2.10. ANTI–CORRUPTION AGENCY

Awareness of the Anti-corruption Agency, ACA, is at levels similar to those recorded during

previous rounds – in excess of 60% of citizens have heard of the ACA.

Most citizens believe that the ACA contributes to the clampdown on corruption to a lesser

extent (36%), while 22% believe it contributes to a moderate extent.

60%

38%

2%

65%

34%

1%

63%

37%

0%

Yes

No

DK/NA

Mar -10

Oct-10

Nov-11

20%

14%

13%

29%

32%

36%

15%

24%

22%

2%

3%

2%

33%

28%

27%

Mar -10

Oct-10

Nov-11

Not at all To small extent To a moderate extent To a large extent Don`t know/no answer

The Anti-corruption Agency is an independent state body with objectives and authority in the domain of combating corruption through different activities. In your opinion, to what extent does this body

contribute to curbing corruption?

Have you heard of the Anti-corruption Agency?

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