Media Center, November 16, Yerevan: Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Project Director of Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, presented the results of the Global Corruption Barometer 2016 during the press conference held at Media Centre on November 16.
The survey is carried out once in 3 years and the public attitudes towards corruption, the experience of citizens in dealing with corruption are assessed.
Armenia has been involved in this survey for the fourth time. It was held from December 28, 2015, to May 2, 2016. 1527 people participated in the survey in Armenia and 58238 people from the whole world.
“The main conclusion that was made as a result of this survey is that in the past people were more reluctant to speak about corruption because they believed that it would not change anything particularly. It is good on the one hand but on the other hand, an alarming phenomenon is that now people began to fear of speaking about corruption, and it can be observed not only in Armenia,” Hoktanyan said.
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He noted that the majority of the respondents in all the countries considered that their government failed to carry out sufficient measures to fight against corruption, in particular, 86% of respondents thought so in Ukraine, 84% in Moldova, and 80% in Spain.
“As regards to Armenia, if in 2013 21% of respondents thought that the government was making some efforts to reduce corruption, in 2016 only 14% of respondents believe so. At the same time, those who say that no steps have been taken and are dissatisfied with the policy of the government, comprise 65%, as opposed to 53% in 2013,” Hoktanyan said.
According to the Global Corruption Barometer 2016, every 6th respondent said that they gave bribe and the number has increased compared to 2013.
Tajikistan is the leader in this regard, with 50% of respondents, followed by Moldova (42%).
Azerbaijan, together with Kyrgyzstan (38%) are also among the leaders. In Armenia, 28% of respondents said that they gave bribes.
Hoktanyan said that unlike the CIS countries, in Western Europe more people think that the rich people influenced the state policies and use them to their benefit.
People in Armenia think like in Western Europe and 66% of respondents think so.
“At present, more and more people believe in Armenia that nothing depends on them in combating corruption, and Armenia is the record holder in this respect. As a reply to the question which institutions are involved in corruption, the majority of respondents said state officials (45%), the President and his staff are in second place (44%), tax authorities officials are in the third place (43%). The church is perceived to be the most decent,” Hoktanyan said.
As the data show, 63% of the respondents in Armenia think that the citizen involvement in the fight against corruption has no effect and does not change anything, which is the worst result among the CIS countries.
“52% of the Armenian respondents do not want to get involved in the fight against corruption, while 67% say that they would not speak about corruption. Such a high percentage is recorded nowhere. 77% of the respondents believe that to speak out about corruption is not socially acceptable behavior which is the highest index. In other words, the psychology of a “fink” is most common in Armenia,” Hoktanyan added.
To watch the video, follow the link.
Lilit Arakelyan, editor/events coordinator at “Media Center”
