CORRUPTION BENCHMARKING IN

SERBIA

ZERO TOLERANCE IS GAINING TRACTION!!!

Report prepared for UNDP Serbia

Report prepared by CeSID DOO, Belgrade

December 2012

Research Methods

Where is Serbia headed?

Major problems -- No surprises

The Incidence of Corruption -- Surprises

Corruption Perceptions -- More surprises

Waging battle against corruption

How is the Anti-Corruption Agency doing?

2

METHODS

3

Research realised by CeSID for UNDP Serbia

Field work December 14 - 21, 2012

Type and sample size Random sample of 597 Serbian

citizens over 18

Sample frame Polling station

Household selection

Random sample - no substitutions –

every other house within the polling

station

Selection of interviewees within

households

Random sample - no substitutions

first birthday selection method

Research technique Face to face

Research instrument Questionnaire

4

Optimism leaps for the first time since UNDP launched the survey 3 years ago. Pessimism plummets, falling below 45%. Yet, many are uncertain, and challenges remain in consolidating confidence and optimism.

Serbia is headed in the right direction!! According to 32% of interviewees

How are you doing?

More than half say ok!!!

5

44% say their living conditions are “unbearable” or “bad,” an unacceptably high number. But those who say conditions are “bearable” or “fairly good” increased to more than 55%

1%

1%

3%

1%

1%

0%

2%

1%

0%

1%

0%

1%

11%

10%

14%

12%

9%

10%

37%

37%

39%

35%

31%

45%

38%

38%

34%

45%

45%

31%

11%

13%

10%

6%

14%

13%

2009 oct

2010 mar

2010 oct

2011 nov

2012 jun

2012 dec

Doesn`t know

ExceptionallygoodFairly good

Bearable

Bad

Unbearable

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS?

6

3%

1%

2%

2%

3%

9%

2%

7%

7%

23%

11%

29%

3%

1%

2%

1%

1%

7%

3%

9%

8%

21%

8%

35%

4%

1%

2%

2%

3%

4%

2%

10%

9%

23%

7%

32%

2%

1%

1%

3%

1%

4%

2%

7%

5%

21%

12%

41%

3%

1%

2%

1%

1%

3%

1%

9%

5%

23%

9%

40%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

6%

7%

14%

15%

44%

Pensions

Kosovo and Metohija

Health care

Poor education system

Relations with Europe and the EU

Crime and security

Feeble and inefficient institutions

Low salaries

Lack of opportunities for young people

Poverty

Corruption

Unemployment

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

2009 oct

15% say corruption is the biggest problem in Serbia. In a country preoccupied with personal & household hardship, corruption is the only societal problem which increased in awareness over the last six months. The percentage of citizens who recognise corruption as the key problem has never been this high. Awareness can lead to intolerance & intolerance leads to change.

THE INCIDENCE OF CORRUPTION

WHO PAID, HOW MUCH, TO

WHOM AND WHY?

THE INCIDENCE OF CORRUPTION:

BIG MOVES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

8

Direct and indirect experience fell by nearly a half, after three years with little movement. Fewer people paid a bribe in the last half of 2012 than ever before in the survey’s history. Why the positive change?? In part, because widespread media coverage of corruption cases raises awareness and stokes intolerance.

38%

33% 34%

39%

35%

20%

15% 16% 13%

11% 14%

8%

2009oct

2010mar

2010oct

2011nov

2012jun

2012dec

2009oct

2010mar

2010oct

2011nov

2012jun

2012dec

Indirect experience Direct experience

WHO GOT PAID??

9

Doctors, Police and municipal clerks remain at the top of the list -- but remember -- these are who citizens come in contact with most.

WHY DID PEOPLE PAY BRIBES?

TO GET WHAT THEY’RE ENTITLED TO!!!

10

Nearly two-thirds paid a bride to get a service that they’re entitled do - like medical care, a license or a permit. A much smaller number paid a bribe to avoid a problem - like a traffic ticket. Note: Bribes were often not solicited. So what’s going? Who is at fault? The average bribe: 168 in December, much more than 103 in June.

22% 22%

56%

13% 23%

64%

I was directlyasked to pay 22

I offered to payin order to

avoidproblems with

relevantindividuals

I offered bribeto obtain

certainservices

I was directlyasked to pay 22

I offered to payin order to

avoidproblems with

relevantindividuals

I offered bribeto obtain

certainservices

Indirect experience Direct experience

PERCEPTIONS ARE CHANGING IN A BIG WAY FOR

THE BETTER

11

Major move to the upside at the end of 2012: 25% say corruption decreased. More than ever before. Many say there was no change, but optimism trumps pessimism

8%

9%

8%

7%

9%

10%

19%

25%

10%

23%

24%

8%

22%

20%

23%

25%

24%

12%

40%

38%

47%

35%

35%

45%

11%

7%

12%

10%

8%

24%

0%

1%

0%

0%

0%

1%

2009 oct

2010 mar

2010 oct

2011 nov

2012 jun

2012 decdoesn’t know/no answer

grew significantly

grew a little

remained the same

decreased a little

decreased a lot

WHERE IS CORRUPTION HEADED

IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS??

MANY SAY “DOWN!”

12

41% say corruption will decrease in the next 12 months - powerful expression of confidence Only 13% think corruption will increase. If confidence continues to build, then efforts to combat corruption will gain traction.

9%

10%

14%

11%

9%

13%

14%

14%

8%

16%

19%

4%

18%

19%

17%

21%

21%

9%

41%

45%

43%

38%

36%

33%

16%

12%

17%

13%

12%

34%

1%

0%

1%

1%

3%

7%

2009 oct

2010 mar

2010 oct

2011 nov

2012 jun

2012 dec doesn’t know/no answer

will growsignificantly

will grow a little

will remain the same

will decrease a little

will decrease a lot

WHAT CONSTITUTES CORRUPTION?

INTERVIEWEES HAVE A GOOD HANDLE ON THE

DEFINITIONS.

13

Citizens know what corruption is! … and they want something to be done about it.

38%

51%

48%

55%

53%

53%

56%

46%

58%

62%

58%

61%

62%

66%

44%

58%

56%

58%

58%

60%

62%

46%

56%

54%

56%

56%

59%

61%

44%

52%

53%

55%

54%

55%

60%

52%

60%

64%

64%

66%

70%

77%

Distribution of gifts in electoralcampaign

Use of public position forprovision of support to friends

and family

Use of public position forobtaining of gifts and money

Giving gifts or money toprofessors or medical staff

Conflict of interest, promotionof political parties/businessgroups by using the status…

Re-directing of state budget to one’s electoral units

Financing of someone’s campaign, expecting certain

benefits in case of victory

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

2009 oct

HOW TO FIGHT CORRUPTION:

PUNISH THE PERPETRATORS !!!

14

Corruption in general

Doesn’t

know/no

answer

I agree I partially

agree

I partially

disagree

I

disagree

There’s no will in Serbia for real and efficient

uprooting of corruption 6% 40% 20% 15% 19%

Corruption can be uprooted only by severe

punishment of perpetrators 3% 71% 15% 5% 6%

Corruption can be uprooted only by removal of its

causes 3% 66% 18% 8% 5%

Every institution should equally be responsible for

prevention of and battle against corruption among its

ranks

4% 71% 16% 6% 3%

Specialised institutions (police, judiciary, Agency)

should be the leaders in battle against corruption 4% 68% 18% 6% 4%

There is no cooperation and coordination between

specific institutions in the battle against corruption 17% 46% 22% 9% 6%

WHERE DOES CORRUPTION LURK??

15

Political parties top the list of institutions perceived to be the most corrupt.

Unsurprising in an election year.

Health Care shows up second on the list, which tracks with incidence.

55%

72%

65%

66%

65%

70%

78%

76%

55%

62%

65%

68%

66%

70%

70%

80%

52%

63%

57%

67%

67%

68%

73%

74%

55%

63%

63%

63%

64%

67%

74%

76%

64%

66%

64%

62%

67%

69%

74%

77%

51%

52%

56%

60%

63%

64%

69%

72%

City/administration

Customs

Police

Attorneys/lawyers

Prosecutors

Judges

Health care

Political parties

2009 Oct 2010 March 2010 Oct 2011 Nov 2012 Jun 2012 Dec

WHERE IS CORRUPTION PERCEIVED TO HAVE

BEEN REDUCED?

16

Big gains were registered across the spectrum of institutions: Government, parliament and the army

are percieved to have substantially reduced corrutpion within their ranks. Gains realized in the

second half of 2012 reverse a three-year slide in confidence and trust.

23%

43%

62%

61%

23%

44%

65%

66%

27%

36%

60%

63%

25%

45%

63%

67%

32%

47%

65%

69%

13%

24%

44%

47%

Army

President of State

Parliament/legislation

Government

2009 Oct 2010 March 2010 Oct 2011 Nov 2012 Jun 2012 Dec

WHERE DOES INFORMATION ON

CORRUPTION COME FROM?

17

Media is the principal source of information on corruption according to two thirds of interviewees. Within media, TV dominates.

66%

35% 34%

13% 2%

Media Friends, relatives I hear about it Personalexperience

Other sources

WAGING BATTLE AGAINST CORRUPTION

IN ORDER TO COMBAT CORRUPTION …

WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE & WHY IT OCCURS

19

Almost all of the numbers improved in the second half of 2012 - The state is taking greater control and it is exhibiting will. Yet, more needs to be done. Laws need to be strengthened, and implementing bodies need to reinforce integrity Citizens also need to shoulder responsibility and engage.

8%

16%

23%

27%

26%

37%

38%

45%

9%

13%

20%

30%

25%

39%

40%

49%

3%

14%

20%

32%

25%

38%

40%

38%

11%

17%

20%

25%

29%

31%

32%

47%

7%

14%

21%

33%

25%

37%

35%

53%

7%

18%

20%

27%

27%

30%

34%

42%

Inadequate number of outletswhere corruption can be

reported

Lack of knowledge amongcitizens or inadequate

familiarity with their rights

Citizens’ passivity

Lack of will among politicalleaders to control corruption

Imperfect legislation and mildpunishment for corruption

Established practice to solveproblems by using

connections and by-passing…

Widespread corruption inbodies that implement the law

Inadequate control of stateservices

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

2009 oct

WAGING BATTLE MEANS STOKING INTOLERANCE

AND TAKING A STAND!!

20

Empowerment is

increasing!!!

40% said that they would

not pay -- up strongly

from all prior periods.

More would seek help

and more would report.

Signals that intolerance

is growing, and that

confidence and trust in

state institutions is on

the rise.

9%

9%

14%

24%

16%

30%

37%

5%

8%

11%

20%

15%

37%

33%

6%

8%

10%

18%

13%

30%

33%

8%

10%

10%

15%

13%

29%

33%

7%

11%

11%

17%

11%

26%

33%

4%

9%

14%

18%

24%

34%

40%

I’d report it to media

Wouldn’t do a thing, would wait for situation to change

I’d report it to administration

I’d pay if I had the money

I’d report the case to bodies that implement the law

I’d look for someone to help me, without paying the bribe

I’d not pay

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

2009 oct

WHO SHOULD LEAD THE BATTLE AGAINST

CORRUPTION?

21

Police and Government top the list among those that should lead the battle against corruption.

Major gains were registered by the Judiciary and the ACA -- encouraging signals about public trust, and about awareness.

1%

1%

2%

7%

3%

3%

4%

11%

13%

24%

46%

47%

1%

1%

2%

5%

5%

6%

9%

18%

26%

37%

41%

49%

NGOs

Commissioner for…

Ombudsman

Special elite forces

State audit institution

Parliament

President

Citizens (associations of…

Anti-Corruption Agency

Judiciary

Government

Police

dec.12

jun.12

HOW CAN WE BEST COMBAT CORRUTPION?

22

Interviewees overwhelmingly want criminals to be punished.

79% say they want to see hash legal sanctions. When courts begin to convict, then confidence and trust in the judiciary will rise further!

22%

35%

45%

52%

54%

54%

75%

25%

37%

41%

50%

52%

49%

70%

21%

32%

36%

40%

45%

42%

58%

30%

38%

41%

46%

48%

49%

66%

21%

40%

43%

47%

47%

44%

71%

33%

45%

51%

60%

61%

69%

79%

Raised salaries for public administrationemployees

Transparency in administrative decisionmaking

Enforced control of civil sector (NGOs)over public administration

Raising the level of awareness oncorruption

Strengthening of state control over publicadministration

Improved legislation (new anti-corruptionlaw, international conventions)

Harsh legal sanctions

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

2009 oct

HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING?

….better

23

The government gets much higher marks for its efforts to fight corruption. Sentiments are improving!!

11% 9%

49%

22%

9% 8%

2%

32%

23%

35%

Doesn’t know/NA Very efficient Little efficient Mostly inefficient Not efficient at all

2012 decembar 2012 jun

PERCEPTIONS OF THE ANTI-

CORRUPTION AGENCY

ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCY:

NAME RECOGNITION IS INCREASING

25

77% of interviewees say that they are familiar with the ACA and its work.

60% 65% 63%

75% 77%

2010 mar 2010 oct 2011 nov 2012 jun 2012 dec

PERCEPTIONS: THE ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCY

IS IT MAKING A DIFFERENCE??

26

At year-end 2012 64% said the ACA was making a difference - a significant increase

from prior periods. Confidence and credibility of this institution still need to build.

20%

29%

15%

2%

33%

14%

32%

24%

3%

28%

13%

36%

22%

2%

27%

20%

38%

19%

3%

20%

10%

35%

24%

5%

26%

None

A little

Partial

Significant

Doesn’t know/NA

2012 dec

2012 jun

2011 nov

2010 oct

2010 mar

RECOGNITION AND CONFIDENCE IN THE ACA MAY

BE GROWING, BUT CAN IT TACKLE POLITICAL

PARTY FINANCE???

27

Political Parties are the institution that is most corrupt in Serbia according to

interviewees, but they are dubious that the ACA can make a difference.

17%

24%

39%

16%

4%

27%

19%

32%

19%

3%

Do not know / NA Not at all Very little Partially Completely

2012 jun 2012 dec

THANK YOU