Bishkek, Dec. 11, 2024 . / Kabar / . National Expert Consultant to the Anti-Corruption Business Council under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, International Expert in Anti-Corruption, and Scholar with Practical Experience, Zamir Aiylchiyev.
The Success of the Baltic States in Preventing Corruption as an example for the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Baltic States Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have achieved remarkable success in preventing and combating corruption on a global scale. One of the key factors contributing to this success has been the strong political will and leadership qualities of their state leaders. The cornerstone of the fight against corruption and its elimination lies in the determination of political leaders and the resilience of state institutions.
The Baltic States implemented reforms at all levels of governance, setting an example in adopting strong anti-corruption legislation and establishing independent institutions. The accession of the Baltic States to the European Union (EU) in 2004 played a significant role in their anti-corruption efforts. EU membership encouraged these countries to strengthen transparency, the rule of law, and effective governance systems. These conditions were essential for reducing corruption and advancing democratic principles.
Another significant achievement of the Baltic States in preventing corruption has been the digitalization of public services:
1. Estonia successfully implemented an e-government system, providing all public services online, including electronic participation in elections.
2. Latvia introduced the "Latvija.lv" portal, which digitized public services and ensured the security of data.
3. Lithuania established the "Elektroniniai valdžios vartai" (The Gates of Electronic Government) portal to simplify tax payments and business registration processes.
Over the past 20 years, the Baltic States have significantly reduced corruption levels in international rankings and improved transparency in public services. For example, in the 2023 Transparency International ranking, Estonia scored 76 points, placing 12th; Lithuania scored 61 points, ranking 34th; and Latvia scored 60 points, ranking 36th.
The Kyrgyz Republic has also made significant strides in its fight against corruption, particularly following the political revolution of October 5, 2020. In 2021, under the leadership and political will of President Sadyr Japarov, the Anti-Corruption Business Council under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was established, initiating comprehensive measures to prevent and combat corruption. The council's primary goal has been to develop and implement a robust and sustainable national anti-corruption strategy and legislative framework.
The adoption of the 2025–2030 National Anti-Corruption Strategy marked a critical step toward reinforcing political stability and economic development in the Kyrgyz Republic. Efforts to dismantle corruption schemes, combat organized crime, address the shadow economy, and enhance the transparency of public services remain ongoing.
According to the 2023 Transparency International report, the Kyrgyz Republic ranked 141st out of 180 countries, scoring 26 points. Despite this position, the Kyrgyz Republic demonstrates significant potential to join the ranks of leading nations in combating corruption by adopting the practices of the Baltic States. In 2024, the political will of the President and the implementation of key reforms resulted in a 9% growth in the country’s GDP a major achievement for the Kyrgyz Republic.
In conclusion, the achievements of the Baltic States in preventing and combating corruption serve as an excellent example for the Kyrgyz Republic. The combination of strong political will, effective legislation, and digital transformation has allowed these countries to succeed in their anti-corruption efforts. By adopting and tailoring these practices, the Kyrgyz Republic can reduce corruption, improve transparency in public services, and achieve better positions in international rankings. Strengthening such strategies will contribute to the country's economic and social development in the long term.
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