Transparency International: Bulgaria Still with High Corruption

The judiciary system is the most corrupt sector in Bulgaria, according to the results of the 2009 Global Corruption Barometer of Transparency International.

The Barometer, released Wednesday, is a global public opinion survey with 73 000 respondents drawn from 69 countries. It found globally, including Bulgaria, that the poor are disproportionately burdened by bribe demands and that government efforts to combat corruption are generally perceived as ineffective, in addition to high levels of perceived corruption in political parties, parliaments and the civil service.

In Bulgaria, the judiciary system is followed by the Parliament and the public institutions by levels of corruption, the survey shows. It registers near the maximum possible levels of corruption in those sectors along with all political parties and the police.

Regarding the issue of corruption in the judiciary system, Bulgaria ranks along with countries such as Cambodia, Georgia and Mongolia.

Nearly 10% of all Bulgarians say they would not report corruption due to fear of repressions, something that does not exist in any of the other European Union Member States.

Only 5% of Bulgarians admit they had paid a bribe in 2008 while 76% believe Bulgaria's authorities cannot successfully deal with the corruption in the country.

Corruption in the private business sector is seen as a new trend, with 54% of the respondents believing businesses pay bribes to secure favorable political decisions and legislation.

The Barometer registers for the first time corruption practices in Bulgaria connected with the distribution of the European funds for local farming.

The respondents also see land exchanges in Bulgaria and acquisition of farming lands as related to political corruption.

Bulgarians, however, do not consider themselves a factor in the fight against corruption and say they would not pay a higher price for products made by a company that is known to not pay bribes.

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