Ece DINCASLAN

Corruption: One of the Biggest Problems of Today

The corruption is a global threat and obstacle which stands against on the way of both

democratization and hampers economic development. It spread every aspect of life. We see

our politicians corrupt; inside trading; betting on sports games, even some charities are

corrupt… Besides, increase in the disproportionately burdens the poor and undermines the

importance of investment and aid. For this reason, it has to be erased or solved, in order to

reach sustainable development and create a new world order. No country is completely free

of corruption. However, some measures can be taken to avoid these serious problems. They

need to be defined well and strategies should be explored to combat for corruption and

bribery.

There should be openness and accountability in the form of government systems.

Politicians, deputies or ministers, they all have some responsibilities for citizens. What’s

more, not only governments, but also we need to advocate our rights and aware of these

situations. It's up to all of us to fight against corruption as best we can and letting our

governments know we aren't happy and want to know 'where is the money?' We want the

truth! If you clarify this when any politician is running for a position it's the people that vote

them in and thus, we are actually their employer and they work for us!

In September 2008 Turkey Deniz Feneri case had a great impact on the issue of corruption.

The chiefs of an Islamic charity were sent to prison in Germany after the Turkish men had

admitted siphoning millions of Euros away from alms donated by devout Muslims for the

poor. Also this charity had been a tool for the defendants to move funds into investment

companies in Turkey, buy real estates, Baltic cruise boat and to set up a religious TV station.

There have to be started and question the credibility of the media. The corruption is widened

to media groups and some Turkish bureaucrats. Even a suspect in the case claimed that funds

from the charity. In Turkey, relations between the power circles which are the government,

the bureaucracy and the military and the press have been very problematic. While some to

media companies friendly to the ruling party the public attention should focus on the real

dilemma, not stay away from it. Also there is another problem in this case which was a misuse

of power and lack of understanding of an open democratic society. On the way of

democratization and human rights related issues Turkey need to strengthen and fulfilled its

political system and make it more open and transparent. It is easier for Turkey rather than

other Muslim countries. Laicism is the fact that Turkey is the country with the most freedom

in Islamic World. In a big step forward, the Turkish government should monitor the flow of

money because corruption is mainly done for earning black money. Further, flow of money

should be monitored through a committee that having members from all different

departments. And finally, the government should receive all the documents appearing from its

allocation to its distribution. These are the basic solutions which are offered, to decrease the

level of corruption.

If we want to prevent or at least significantly minimize corruption as this subject given to us,

checks and balances system, economic contraction and the role media need to be evaluated.

Checks and balances

In order cope with corruption check and balances should be given importance, because

absolute power of any institution will cause many problems in state systems, especially

corruption and bribery. Thus, in order to prevent the power of any one branch from being

absolute, the system of checks and balances take place in the Constitution. This is system

called the separation of powers. The Separation of Powers is supposed to prevent Depression

of People and Government ‘Tyranny’. It is an arbitrary action which explains one person has

all the power to make, enforce, and interpret the laws.

It needed to be start from justice. Corruption cases in the judiciary must be seen end

Supreme Court of Appeals must be completed first. For these reasons, first of all, the states

need to cut corruption in politics. This is only done in society through, education, culture,

and upgrades the level of consciousness is, while improving public awareness. On the

contrary, in autocratic and totalitarian regimes, everything is done behind on the closed

doors. Thus, it is more available than others, non-democratic governments to open corruption.

There is no totalitarian regime in Turkey. However, there is no full sense of democracy. Until

today, the Prime Ministers of domestic legislation and the intervention

were unwarranted. Now the ruling party has been designed in the judiciary according

to the itself. In addition to these, there is no fiscal transparency in Turkey. A portion of public

spending is closed to the public. For example, privatization revenues; we do not know very

clearly what percentage was going where… It is related which I said on the above.

Economic Contraction ‘nepotism’

Economic Contraction ‘nepotism’ is another concept that should be examined in order to

prevent corruption. It can be easily seen that, the corruption level is highly low in

Switzerland, Norway and Sweden. There is a bad relationship between level of economic

development and corruption level.

Nepotism is the basic form of favoritism and corruption. There are several states that have

passed anti-nepotism measures to fight against corruption, however, mostly in government

jobs. Since there are no federal laws regarding the practice of nepotism, it questioning

somewhat which is unregulated. Since fear, threat, and violence become part of everyday life,

there should be legal rules and democratic institutionalization policies. At this point, we

should keep Turkey from nepotism and favoritism. In other words, neither corruption nor

bribery related problems occurred, If democratic institutionalization strengthened in Turkey.

As long as when there is unbalanced state intervention in the economy, it led to an increase

in the corruption level. For example, to customize the natural

monopolies, market structure leads to oligopoly. However, the government will make the

market work to make the private sector, corruption creates a

more conducive environment. The Kiptaş Company who owned by Istanbul

Metropolitan Municipality was an example of it which makes luxury residents. In other

words, there is an interaction between economic stability and corruption, they affect each

other. Especially during the economic crises the tendency of individuals increases to save

him all the way. However, corruption in the competition is disturbing. If you want to

provide the economic stability, you have to reduce corruption.

In the sense of output-based and community-driven approaches, they show some promise as

tools to reduce corruption, and will need to be complemented by a range of other

interventions including publication of procurement documents, independent and community

oversight, physical inspection and public–private anti-corruption partnerships. Where

government is the client, attempts to counter corruption need to begin at the level of planning

and budgeting. Unfortunately, our knowledge regarding effective interventions to reduce

corruption is limited, in considerable part because the act of corruption is usually unknown.

At the same time, despite the industry’s status as one where corruption is both widespread and

potentially very economically damaging, international construction companies surveyed

through control risks. Whatever our uncertainties regarding the most effective tools to reduce

the development impact of corruption in the sector, then it is clear there is a considerable

unfinished agenda.

The Role of Media

Strong campaigns and programs need to be done as soon as possible to increase the

awareness of corruption and bribery in the society. Media or other relevant actors can inform

citizens. Because, there is corruption going on in the streets, we live with black market

weapons, drugs etc. Not exactly I am saying about that all people in all positions in

government or any other group are corrupt, but unfortunately, the good ones’ voice are low,

their opinions they are outnumbered and their voice is lost in the noise. We have to do

something, as well as anticipation. Surveys and integrity workshops can be done to raise

awareness of the corruption problem and promote domestic dialogue on how to address it. We

are brothers and sisters and should be helping each other. It's up to the parents to point out

that there really are some good people out there who do good things for others. Moreover,

parents and teachers are the responsible persons for their child's future. They can teach moral

behavior right from childhood. After all, for cope with the complexity of corruption as a

company or as an individual some steps in that direction put forward. For instance, the issues

which most at risk from corruption required to be identified, an anti-corruption and anti-

bribery policy draw up that this strict anti-corruption policy fallowed and operated by your

business and ensure that you keep accurate financial records so you can demonstrate that all

transactions are completed fairly and legally..

To conclude, improving governance will remain central to any effort to reduce the

development impact of corruption in construction, and as I indicated the above your anti-

bribery policy should: Prohibit the offer, giving or acceptance of bribes, gifts, hospitality or

expenses by employees or other parties involved that could influence the outcome of business

transactions, show the business' towards on bribery, detail the procedures and all expenditures

should billed so followed during business transactions