Extraordinary meeting of the regional executive committee: on measures to combat corruption in local government bodies

The anti-corruption system created in Belarus allows for effective struggle against it. In order to minimize this phenomenon, which erodes the foundations of the state, both officials and rank-and-file specialists need to increase their responsibility, primarily for their assigned area of work. At the same time, leaders are always in special demand, as they are responsible not only for their own actions but also for everything that happens in their district or enterprise.

This was announced to journalists by the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova, following the extraordinary meeting of the regional executive committee held on November 15, where measures to combat corruption in local government bodies were considered. Despite its extraordinary status, the meeting was of a planned nature; similar events will be held in all regions of the country. The Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Konyuk, and the Chairman of the KGB, Valery Vakulchik, took part in the work of the regional executive committee.

Despite the fact that the fight against corruption has been among the constant priorities throughout the history of the sovereign Belarusian state, it is impossible to completely eradicate this phenomenon for one simple reason – it is associated with the so-called human factor, Natalya Kochanova is convinced. However, it is necessary to constantly create conditions under which committing such crimes would be impossible. In this regard, the main responsibility rests with the leaders of the local vertical. It is unacceptable when such offenses are committed by a person who should be engaged in the prevention and counteraction of corruption.

In the Vitebsk region, over the past three years, 16 leaders included in the personnel register of the Head of State have been caught in similar offenses.

— We cannot ignore such facts, or feel complacent if their number decreases. This undermines the authority of the government, and we have no right to allow it, — emphasized Natalia Kochanova. — The President of Belarus has clearly formulated one of the most important priorities of our country — honest and fair treatment of people, and this is possible when the government consists of honest and decent people.

Today, there are no obstacles to organizing a competent and professional counteraction to corruption, believes the Head of the Presidential Administration. At the same time, if any proposals are received, particularly from the regions, to improve anti-corruption legislation, forms, and methods of work in this direction, they will be considered.

In the Vitebsk region, corruption crime is mainly of a domestic nature

As noted by the Prosecutor of the Vitebsk Region, Vadim Sushchinsky, in the region, corruption crime is mainly of a domestic nature. For example, out of 110 such offenses detected in the regional center over 9 months, 33 crimes were committed by two veterinarians working at the Smolensk market. They took bribes for issuing relevant permits.

A teacher at one of the Vitebsk universities accepted monetary rewards from students ranging from 3 to 25 rubles for passing exams.

In general, in the Vitebsk region, the spheres most susceptible to corruption manifestations are construction, transport, agriculture, education, healthcare, and public administration. Law enforcement agencies have been tasked with suppressing not only minor instances of corruption but also identifying bribery in public administration bodies, during the implementation of large-scale investment projects, and at city-forming enterprises. However, the efforts of law enforcement officers alone will not be enough.

— Society must cultivate an intolerant attitude towards this phenomenon, — said Vadim Sushchinsky.

During the meeting, assessments of the criminal situation and the effectiveness of measures taken to combat corruption were given, and a decision was made to increase the efficiency of this work.

"Vitebskiye vesti".