CC-DB Co-leader Ivanov: Fight against Corruption Is Fundamental to Building Secure Societies

Momchil Rusev

CC-DB co-leader Hristo Ivanov (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

09.11.2023 12:28

(BTA)

The fight against corruption is fundamental to building secure societies, said Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova Siri Barry at the opening of the Anti-Corruption, Democratic Resilience and Economic Security Forum in Sofia on Thursday. The event is organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy.

"Corruption is a money-driven effort, i.e. turning public power into money. In this paradigm it is very often overlooked that the goal of corruption is aimed at turning power into more power, into uncontrollable power," he said.

"What we have before us is not just organized crime, not individual cunning and unscrupulous players, but well-organized state and parastatal structures that exploit corruption in all its aspects. We must realize that we can no longer see the fight against corruption as the task of isolated national institutions left to find the resources, the people and the heroes. The fight against corruption must be seen as a priority, with common action and a long-term strategy," he said.

Ivanov recalled that it was impossible to form a government in Bulgaria for a period of about two years because negotiations had to be held between representatives of political forces which for a long time accused each other of corruption. He argued that the current government is hanging "on a pin" and its sustainability depends on whether politicians who have accused each other will manage to convince the public that they can implement successful anti-corruption policies.

"Sometimes the fight against corruption produces instruments with enhanced repressive functions that have a concentration of power. Sometimes you can see how the fight against corruption produces opportunities for corruption,” Ivanov added.

The event was also attended by Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi, Justice Minister Atanas Slavov, Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, Interior Ministry Secretary General Zhivko Kotsev, representatives of the Bulgarian office of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, as well as Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and others.

/MR/