85% of residents and 73% of entrepreneurs in Latvia are not prepared to bribe state officials to thereby ensure resolution of different problems. According to residents and entrepreneurs, the most frequently mentioned reason to justify bribery is greater security and certainty that problems get resolved, according to results of a survey performed by Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB).
Compared to the survey carried out by KNAB in 2021, both groups’ opinion of bribery has changed this year – the level of condemnation of bribery has increased among residents, whereas tolerance of bribery among entrepreneurs has increased. This may be related to the restrictions put in place for entrepreneurs due to Covid-19 pandemic. Although in both years the most common reason for bribery was the sense of greater security and problem resolution, this year’s survey shows that in both groups there is an increase in favour of a specific reason, BNN was told by KNAB.
Survey results reveal that in the last two years 20% or every fifth resident has used different unofficial methods to resolve different situations. Most often this happened in healthcare and to secure jobs in state or municipal institutions.
These unofficial methods are used more often by entrepreneurs, according to results of the survey – 31% or nearly every third. This is done most often to resolve issues related to construction and in different state and municipal procurements. The most common type of unofficial methods employed by both groups is personal contacts.
When asked about solutions to help battle corruption, residents mentioned better information transparency in regards to persons and organisations that influence decision-making, as well as ensure tighter control of public procurements. Among entrepreneurs, on the other hand, the general opinion is that it is necessary to impose tougher penalties for perpetrators and officials should be assigned posts through transparent selection procedures.
In additional to the growing condemnation among residents towards bribery, the number of residents prepared to report acts of corruption is up. Most or 61% of residents are prepared to report, and 19% of would be prepared to do it while revealing their identity. In situations when bribes are requested or if officials exceed their authority, 38% of respondents said they would report it to KNAB. Reporting activity is the highest among younger groups of residents, according to to the survey.