The adopted resolution states that corruption continues to present a serious threat to the rule of law across Europe. Corruption undermines public institutions, erodes laws and the citizens’ trust in institutions. It also has devastating effects on human rights, states the adopted resolution.
Aleksandra Djurovic, Head of the National Assembly's standing delegation, and delegation members Natasa Vuckovic, Stefana Miladinovic and Svetislava Bulajic, took part in the debate.
Aleksandra Djurovic stressed that the current National Assembly legislature, the Government, and especially the First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, as well as a great many conscientious civil servants are waging a decisive fight against corruption. Zero tolerance for corruption is their basic tenet with the goal being to build a system that recognises no protection or exemption and where the hand of justice reaches each and every one just the same, stated Djurovic. “The last UNDP research shows that the Serbian citizens’ trust on the issue has doubled. That is why we can speak about the issue today with our head held high and with undisguised pride. We are and will continue to do all in our power to eradicate corruption, especially the kind that has dragged our country into a difficult economic situation. Our legislative activity, the work of the committees, the Assembly’s control role and the transparency of said work are all aimed at not only reaching European legislative standards as we progress toward the European Union, but to make Serbia into a country of prosperity, country of safe investment and equal opportunities for all who wish to work”, concluded Djurovic.
Stefana Miladinovic said that, last month, the National Assembly created a National Branch of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) which develops awareness that the Parliament is the first line of defence in the fight because it both sets up the legislative framework and overviews the implementation of the laws aimed at eradicating corruption.
Natasa Vuckovic stressed that political will is extremely important in the fight against corruption. It should secure the creation of an adequate legal framework and prompt the institutions to do their job. At the same time, political will may not be used for a political fight against those whose politics differs for one’s own, nor to criminalize the opposition.
Svetislava Bulajic emphasised the role of the citizens in the partnership with the governments via institutional programmes and projects which equally serve the citizens’ needs and governments’ endeavours. The governments themselves, no matter how efficient, cannot be successful in their fight against corruption without the citizens’ input, concluded Bulajic.