IDM recommends the establishment of an efficient and legitimate National Anti-corruption authority

Tirana, 14 December 2018 – IDM jointly with the Supreme State Audit (SAI) organized the conference “Towards an efficient and legitimate National Anti-corruption authority”.  This activity was based on the performance audit report on the “Anti-Corruption Strategy” (SAI) and IDM analysis “Curbing Political Influence on Anti-Corruption Agencies”. The conference gathered representatives of Albanian parliament, HIDAACHI, Ministry of Justice, SAI and other independent institutions, representatives of other governmental agencies, embassies and international organizations, civil society organizations, media representatives.

Fruitful discussions were held on the need for an independent national authority in the fight against corruption which would bring tangible results and guarantee legitimacy in its activity. In this context, the member of the Board of Directors of Transparency International, Mr.

Boris Divjak stated that there is no global standard for an ideal anti-corruption authority, but its establishment plays a pivotal role in enforcement, prevention and investigation of corruption. SAI representative, Mr. Rinald Muca recommended the establishment of an anti-corruption agency that would be responsible for drafting, implementing and monitoring the national strategy in the fight against corruption.

IDM representatives, Mr. Sotiraq Hroni and Ms. Rovena Sulstarova, based on the main findings of several studies and surveys over the last years, stressed the need for an independent national anti-corruption authority, with legal guarantees, sufficient institutional and financial resources.

The head of the parliamentary commission of European Integration, Mr. Genc Pollo stated that an effective anti-corruption authority is a huge strength in the fight against corruption, when its independence from the government is ensured.

Moreover, Mr. Mario Mariani, the Head of Corporation at the EU Delegation’s Office, argued that regardless of the model for an independent national anti-corruption authority, it is important that Albania continues the anti-corruption fight with the commitment of all institutions in the country.

This conference aimed to contribute to the national debate in search of an appropriate model on the anti-corruption authority that would enjoy the trust of the society.