As part of a CIPE/NED supported
project to address the decade-long institutionalization of corruption
in Yugoslavia, the Center for Liberal Democratic Studies (CLDS)
has completed a timely and informative survey of business community
and public perceptions about corruption in Serbia. The Belgrade-based
group has worked diligently to analyze and present the data
in the comprehensive project report, Corruption in Serbia. This
210-page publication not only presents a concise picture of
the current Serbian dynamic in regard to corruption, but also
explores the consequences and devastating effects of corruption
on the welfare of society. Some of the more telling realities
presented include: |
- 60% of the population considers that the new government
will be less corrupt than the Milosevic regime,
- bribery is a regular phenomenon for 53% of all businessmen,
- corruption in Serbia is a very widespread phenomenon,
as indicated by
- a high frequency of multiple bribing,
- common prior knowledge as to the amount of bribes paid/received,
- 26% of total business income spent on bribes,
- 35% of working hours spent on bribing.
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Dissemination of the report
to both domestic policymakers and international organizations
active in Serbia is underway, and this dynamic tool will likely
have a strong impact on policy development in this area in Serbia.
The Center
for Liberal Democratic Studies is an independent think tank
based on the cooperation of numerous leading experts in social
sciences in Serbia (economics, political science, law, social
philosophy). The Center was founded to promote democracy, individual
liberty, economic development, and the rule of law in Yugoslavia.
CLDS' activities include reform of the political system, economic
transition issues, building civil society, protecting human
and minority rights, and educating the citizenry in and beyond
Yugoslavia. Visit their web site at www.clds.org.yu.
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