“The report considers public-private partnerships as a key resource of anti-corruption policy. The anti-corruption reforms in Bulgaria, as well as in the European Union, will not be possible without the active participation of civil society and the business. Anticipating Bulgaria’s accession in the year to come we ask ourselves whether and to what degree the European Union has the vision and political will to involve civil society and the business in the settlement of these anti-corruption issues.”
Dr. Ognian Shentov, Chairman, Center for the Study of Democracy
“As this report and this conference today shows, the Government of Bulgaria acknowledges the problem, and is making an effort to overcome corruption at all levels. This alliance against corruption must include members of all political parties. It must involve the government and NGOs, the press and the private sector. At the national level, changes have been proposed to the Constitution, to try to bring about greater transparency and personal responsibility. The Government has adopted a new Transparent Governance Strategy, reformed the Anti-Corruption Commission, and established better coordination between the anti-corruption efforts of the parliament, the judiciary, and the government. The United States applauds these important and serious reforms.”
Ambassador John Beyrle, US Embassy in Bulgaria
“I doubt anyone thinks that we can counter corruption solely through criminal policy and punishment. Moreover, if the necessary prevention measures are not taken, the criminal liability is doomed to remain an ineffective means of counteraction.”
Dr. Boris Velchev, Prosecutor General
“One of the major issues the report raises is political corruption. After 15 years of democracy political corruption has naturally changed in form and has found new methods for abuse of power. If several years ago we talked about corruption processes related to privatization and post-privatization, today, as the report rightly argues, we talk mainly about political corruption in public procurement.”
Ms. Ekaterina Mihailova, Member of Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria |
