Council of Europe announces support for Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption efforts
December 9 marked the International Anti-Corruption Day. On this occasion, President of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), Marin Mrčela, issued a statement, Kazinform News Agency reports.
In the statement, Marin Mrčela says that "corruption is at the core of many of the challenges democracies face today, from the undermining of democratic institutions to injustices and inequalities.”
He reminds that in May 2023, “the heads of state and government of the 46 Council of Europe member states adopted the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy Declaration committing to secure and strengthen democracy and good governance at all levels in Europe, including by pursuing a relentless fight against corruption, including through prevention, and by holding accountable those exercising public power.”
According to him, governments should prove their commitment and show political will, “through the adoption of robust anti-corruption legislation, taking determined action against corrupt practices in all spheres of public life.”
“Effective anti-corruption efforts will help restore the trust deficit that exists between institutions, politicians, officials and citizens. Anti-corruption progress is essential to safeguard democracy and the rule of law,” the President of GRECO highlights.
He noted the importance of making youth aware of what is at stake; otherwise today’s youth will continue suffering in the future from the damage inflicted by corruption to our freedoms and wellbeing.
“GRECO aims to make a difference by helping states to create a culture of transparency, eliminate opportunities for corruption by closing off loopholes through solid anti-corruption and integrity frameworks, and punish perpetrators,” the statement reads.
Besides, Marin Mrčela points out that in 2025, GRECO will launch a new sixth evaluation round “focusing on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in local and regional authorities, the closest to citizens’ everyday lives.”
“We will support local and regional governments across Europe, the United States of America and Kazakhstan in sharpening their tools to combat corrupt practices. They should show zero tolerance for corruption,” reads the statement.
This September the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) published the first report on Kazakhstan assessing progress made in implementing the recommendations issued to the country in the Joint First and Second Round Evaluation Report (2022).
