As part of implementation of the project “Development of Mechanisms for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption at the Local Level in South Serbia’s Municipalities”, which is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Serbia, the Center for Democratic Activities undertook a series of street activities that were designed to encourage the citizens to talk about corruption at the local level and check the recent polls on the perception of corruption at the local level.

Given that an analysis of the conduct of public procurements in the municipalities covered by the project is to be done, this was a humorous way to hear what people think about public procurement procedures at the local level. What is obvious is the existence of fear in people as soon as one mentions corruption at the local level, while the most interesting thing is that the oldest citizens or retirees, who couldn’t possibly bear any consequences or be subject to any pressure from the authorities, are afraid to talk about the subject the most.  

The activity, which was conducted in the municipalities of Jablanica and Pcinj districts without any problems, showed that the fear of publicly expressing views on corruption at the local level by residents of South Serbia had remerged.  Young people are the exception, middle-aged family people try to avoid any discussion on the topic, while corruption has become a taboo topic for pensioners.

Source: Centre for Democratic Activities and Coordination Body