Survey: Corruption in Slovakia

Corruption in Slovakia most frequently occurs in connection with EU funds, subsidies and public procurement, according to the latest survey carried out by the Slovak Business Alliance (PAS). About three in four businessmen in Slovakia have already had a personal experience with corruption. The survey further showed that almost half of businessmen reacted to the corruption in a radical manner, while 20 percent pretended that they did not hear the offer. Three in four respondents refused bribery, which attests to a high resistance against corruption, stated Kremsky. However, one in five businessmen admitted involvement in corruption, as otherwise they would have lost the business. According to PAS, the state should take the toughest action against corruption in courts, although courts were not among the places where businessmen most frequently encountered corruption. It should be followed by politics, including the Government and Parliament. As many as 60 percent of respondents think that replacing corrupt politicians would help to fight corruption. The second alternative in question was transparency, i.e. publishing documents more widely in order to prevent corruption. Almost half of respondents wish it was simpler to disclose and publish these cases. PAS carried out the anonymous survey between December 13-18. It contacted 1,400 businessmen via the internet and 132 of them agreed to take part in the survey.