Yesterday saw the publication of the latest EU Report in which Romania received a mention.
The problem of corruption is not just a Romanian problem – from the report, it appears to be endemic throughout the EU. The report highlighted the problems currently in the Romanian system and society. As a Romanian law firm, we are asked this question by new clients as to the law regarding corruption. We point out to them the relevant laws (Law 78/2000) and the provisions in the Criminal code (art 254 acts of Bribery and Art 255 Accepting a bribe).
The problem in Romania is that whilst steps are being taken to eradicate corruption by the imposition of the law the ordinary citizen sees very little results and therefore lose heart. This is reflected by the number of young people who continue to leave Romania who state that one of the reasons that they want to leave is because they see no future in the current system. Fortunately, a number of these return after they have finished working abroad and are bringing back ideas and attitudes that they have learned abroad which are anti-corruption.
At a meeting with Lord Green, the former British Minister for Trade he made an interesting observation that he had visited 36 countries in 13 months in and in each of those countries corruption was mentioned as a problem. His advice was to rather than keep talking about it they should take steps to fix it. But how does the ordinary citizen fix it?
One of the things that they can do is to complain. Not to their neighbours or relatives but to the manager of the institution who employs the person who has asked for a bribe or pay-off. Alternatively, and some times more effective do not pay and just stand there and make a fuss. I was once in a queue where a person before me refused to pay any “tip” and then loudly complained so all could hear. The official immediately dealt with the problem and as far as I could see did not request any payment from others in the queue.
Another sign is that a more professional work ethic appears to be among the younger state employees so long as they are not infected with the old attitudes then corruption in my view will reduce.
It is good to see former Ministers and high officials being investigated. Even the fear of exposure will reduce corruption. The Government must continue to allow investigations to proceed and the Justice system be allowed to work unhindered and then corruption will be reduced for the benefit of all.
I do not believe that anyone is naive enough to consider that corruption will be eradicated from Romania but its effects can be reduced and business can continue to expand.
As the Romanian state sector reduces, corruption will also reduce. Corruption in the Romanian private sector is minimal as both parties have the same common aim. That is to run a successful business – and earn money.
So another report highlights the issues. It will be interesting to read the next report and see what steps the Government has taken to improve the position especially as there will be EU elections later this year and in the autumn the Romanian Presidential election.