The Alliance for Albanians, the wing of Arben Taravari, has reacted to the latest report by “Transparency International”, according to which North Macedonia has fallen 12 places in the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2024, ranking 88th out of 180 countries, with only 40 points.
“The fact that the country loses 12 positions with only two points less compared to 2023 clearly shows that the problem is not statistical, but political and institutional. This regression is directly related to the contested changes to the Criminal Code, which were widely perceived as interventions for secret amnesty and protection of corrupt officials.
These actions have undermined citizens’ trust, seriously damaged the rule of law, and sent a negative signal to international partners. The fight against corruption is not fought with declarations, but with strong laws, independent institutions, and real accountability.
The Alliance for Albanians urgently calls for an urgent review of the changes to the Criminal Code that weaken the prosecution of high-level corruption, but also for the real independence of the judiciary and prosecution, free from political influence;
“We insist on transparency and accountability for any decision that violates the public interest, as well as concrete and measurable strategies for an effective fight against corruption,” the ASH response states./Telegraph/