Deterioration of democracy and disregard for human rights obstruct advancements in combating corruption
In the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic, many countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA) have grappled with the dual challenges of public health and governance. A recent report by Transparency International, the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), reveals a mixed picture of progress in the region.
Authoritarian Regimes Use Covid-19 as a Pretext for Clampdown
Authoritarian regimes in the region have taken advantage of the pandemic to further tighten their grip on power. Restrictive laws, suppression of free speech, and undermining judicial independence have become common tactics. Governments in countries like Belarus, Russia, and certain Central Asian states have restricted human rights, increased police powers, and suppressed protests while taking little to no action against corruption.
North Macedonia and Kosovo Show Progress
Not all news is bleak. North Macedonia's score in the 2021 CPI jumped by four points since last year, with steps taken to prosecute high-level officials for corruption and strengthen independent oversight institutions. Kosovo has also shown a genuine will to fight corruption, with peaceful transitions of power between governments and the adoption of a strategy on rule of law.
Estonia, Serbia, and Others Face Corruption Allegations
Estonia, the best performer in the region with a score of 74, still faces corruption allegations, including high-level corruption and the selling of vaccination certificates. Serbia, no longer considered a democracy but a hybrid regime, is also plagued by concerns over government transparency surrounding major foreign investments.
Central Asia Sees Decline in Scores
Scores have actually fallen in several countries in Central Asia. Belarus dropped by six points since last year, and Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan are the region's worst performers in the CPI. Kyrgyzstan, once known as an "island of democracy," has used pandemic measures to obstruct the work of journalists and curtail freedom of assembly, making it impossible to track Covid-19 relief funds and ensure they went to the intended recipients.
Hungary and Georgia Face Political Control and State Capture
The government of Hungary has used the Covid-19 pandemic to further consolidate political control and restrict rights, with freedom of expression severely limited and the media under threat. Georgia's score in the 2021 CPI is 55, with concerns over the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling party, over key institutions, meeting the definition of state capture.
Azerbaijan and Others Target Opposition under Pretext of Containing the Pandemic
The pandemic was also used as an excuse to reduce oversight and accountability for public procurement and foreign aid spending, allowing corruption to spread widely. The government of Azerbaijan targeted political opposition and government critics under the pretext of containing the pandemic. In Albania, journalists suffer lawsuits and intimidation, including excessive control of information related to Covid-19 responses.
In conclusion, the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index shows little to no progress in fighting corruption over the past 10 years in most countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As the region navigates the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it is crucial for governments to prioritise transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights to ensure a more equitable and just recovery.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
