Corruption in Northern Cyprus is a serious issue, with a corruption perception score of 27 out of 100, indicating rampant corruption. A study revealed that 93% of business executives acknowledge corruption, and 80% view it as a very serious problem, highlighting an increasing tolerance for corrupt practices within the community.
How serious is the corruption problem in Northern Cyprus?
Corruption in Northern Cyprus is alarmingly serious, with a corruption perception score of 27 out of 100, indicating rampant corruption. A 2023 study reveals that 93% of surveyed business executives acknowledge corruption, and 80% view it as a very serious issue. Public protests and studies suggest worsening conditions and an increasing tolerance of corrupt practices within the community.
A Call to Action Amidst Worsening Corruption
Turkish Cypriots are raising their voices in a potent display of civil unrest. Frustrations boiled over as citizens filled the streets, accompanied by civil society organizations and political parties, to protest the pervasive corruption that has taken root in the northern part of Cyprus. Their chants echoed the sentiments of betrayal, decrying theft, bribery, nepotism, and money laundering. The catalyst for these protests was the revelation of a 2023 study, which painted a grim picture of the state of corruption in the region: it is not only very common but also worsening.
The study, adopting Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) methodology, cast a stark light on the north’s corruption perception score of 27 out of 100 – a score which signifies rampant corruption. In comparison to the global average of 43 across 180 countries, the north’s standing is alarmingly low, equating it with Cameroon and placing it below conflict-afflicted nations like Gabon and Mali.
The Steep Decline in Perception
An academic by the name of Omer Gokcekus, who has been at the forefront of this research for seven years, emphasized the severity and acceleration of the corruption decline. Since 2017, when the initial study was conducted and the north scored a relatively higher 40, the situation has evidently deteriorated, now ranking it at an inglorious 140th position.
It’s worth noting that Transparency International does not officially cover northern Cyprus in its reports. However, thanks to the efforts of Gokcekus and fellow researcher Sertac Sonan, along with the support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) foundation, the north’s corruption perception has been meticulously assessed using the same methodology. This involves surveys among business executives and retired senior civil servants, offering a grassroots perspective on the issue.
The Widespread Nature of Corruption
Corruption in northern Cyprus appears to be deeply entrenched, especially among ministers and politically appointed civil servants, as per the survey responses from 324 business executives in senior managerial positions. A staggering 93% of them acknowledged the existence of corruption, with 80% considering it to be a very serious problem. Furthermore, two-thirds believed that corruption had increased over the past year.
Interestingly, the police, prosecutors, and judges were seen as the least corrupt entities. Yet, confidence in the police’s effectiveness against corruption was a mere 22%. The survey also uncovered that a quarter of the executives had resorted to bribery in the past year, commonly to expedite or finalize procedures and to receive better treatment.
Money Laundering and Political Corruption
The study shed light on the concerns surrounding money laundering, with 53% of respondents acknowledging its common occurrence. This concern is exacerbated by the influx of foreign investment in the region. On the political front, over half of the survey participants indicated that practices like vote-buying and offering special favors during elections were commonplace.
Corruption’s Grip on Government and Society
Survey results revealed a grim reality: 55% of participants believed that the government was being run by a group serving its own interests, and an even greater proportion felt that corrupt officials were either not prosecuted or very rarely so. This perception is not unfounded, considering past allegations against prominent figures in Turkish Cypriot politics, some of whom have been involved in high-profile scandals.
A Growing Tolerance?
Alarmingly, the study highlighted an increasing tolerance for corruption within the community. A notable rise in acceptance of using personal relations to expedite procedures and of government involvement in corruption, as long as services are provided, signals a normalization of corrupt practices.
The Underlying Issue
The core of the problem, as expressed by researchers, lies in the community’s perception of corruption. If corruption is not recognized as an issue, the impetus to combat it dwindles. This acceptance poses a serious threat to the integrity of the region’s governance and its societal fabric.
Unaddressed Legacy Issues
While the study and protests highlight the current state of corruption, the historical context cannot be ignored. The region has a legacy of unresolved political and territorial disputes which complicate governance and may contribute to the challenges in establishing a robust anti-corruption framework.
What is the corruption perception score of Northern Cyprus?
The corruption perception score of Northern Cyprus is 27 out of 100, indicating rampant corruption. This score is alarmingly low, especially when compared to the global average of 43 across 180 countries.
How are Turkish Cypriots reacting to the corruption issue?
Turkish Cypriots are displaying civil unrest by taking to the streets in protest against the pervasive corruption in Northern Cyprus. Citizens, civil society organizations, and political parties have united in protest, denouncing practices like theft, bribery, nepotism, and money laundering.
What are some of the major concerns highlighted by the corruption study?
The corruption study in Northern Cyprus highlighted concerns regarding the widespread occurrence of money laundering, the influence of corruption in political activities like vote-buying during elections, and the perception that the government is serving its own interests rather than those of the people.
Why is there an increasing tolerance for corruption in Northern Cyprus?
According to the study, there is an increasing tolerance for corruption within the community due to a normalization of corrupt practices. The acceptance of using personal relations to expedite procedures and of government involvement in corruption as long as services are provided indicates a dangerous trend towards tolerating corrupt behavior.
