Belarus: Navigating A Corrupt Political Landscape

Belarus has been described as having a flourishing corruption problem, especially in state-owned enterprises and factories, with bribery scandals involving high-flyers working for state-run enterprises. The country's Corruption Perceptions Index score has varied over the years, with a score of 37 in 2023, 39 in 2022, and 47 in 2020, placing it 98th out of 180 countries in 2023. The country has been ranked as slightly below average in terms of corruption, with a moderate decline in recent years. However, the number of corruption crimes reported by the prosecutor general has been increasing, and the country continues to struggle with systemic corruption.

Belarus ranks 98th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index

Belarus's score of 37 represents a decline of 2 points from its score in 2022. While the level of corruption in Belarus increased slightly in 2023 compared to the previous year, it has shown a moderate decline over the long term in recent years.

The causes of corruption in Belarus are multifaceted and include political and cultural factors, as well as ineffective law enforcement. It is worth noting that corruption tends to be lower in democratically governed countries, and Belarus is a presidential republic. Additionally, higher levels of corruption are often associated with low-income countries, and Belarus's per capita income of 7,780 USD annually is relatively low by global standards. The country's low cost of living further indicates significant socioeconomic challenges.

The high levels of corruption in Belarus have been a cause for concern, with reports of state capture and grand corruption going unchecked. The country's weak justice system and rising authoritarianism have enabled widespread corruption, prompting calls for solidarity with the people of Belarus and urgent action from the international community.

The country's score of 37 is a decline from 39 points in 2022

Belarus's Corruption Perceptions Index score of 37 in 2023 is a two-point drop from its 2022 score of 39. This score places the country 98th out of 180 countries, with the top rank being the least corrupt. The index, which is compiled by Transparency International, is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption. It is based on data from surveys and assessments of corruption, collected by a variety of reputable institutions. A score of 0 indicates the highest level of corruption, while a score of 100 indicates none.

Belarus's score of 37 indicates that the country is facing widespread corruption. This is supported by Transparency International's statement that the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in which Belarus is located, is "struggling with dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism and systemic corruption."

In addition, Belarus's score of 37 is a decline from its score of 47 as recently as 2020. This drop suggests that the country is experiencing a decrease in transparency and an increase in corruption. The minimum value for Belarus was 20 points in 2008, while the historical average from 2005 to 2023 is 33 points.

The causes of corruption in Belarus are partly political and cultural. Ineffective law enforcement may also promote corruption. It is worth noting that corruption tends to be lower in democratically governed countries, and Belarus is a presidential republic. Additionally, higher corruption rates are often seen in low-income countries, and Belarus's per capita income of $7,780 USD annually is relatively low by global standards.

Corruption is flourishing in state-owned enterprises and factories

Corruption is endemic in Belarus, with the country scoring 37 out of 100 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 98th out of 180 countries. While the country has made moderate improvements over the last decade, moving up from 139th place in 2009, corruption remains a significant issue, particularly in state-owned enterprises and factories.

State-owned enterprises in Belarus have long been hotbeds of corruption, with loss-making ventures and a lack of transparency providing ample opportunities for illicit schemes. Bribery scandals involving high-level executives at these companies are almost an annual occurrence. For instance, in 2016, three top managers of the refining company Naftan were sentenced to between 7 and 12 years in prison for bribery, with the prosecutor now seeking to lengthen these terms. In 2019, several heads of health institutions were also arrested on corruption charges.

Sugar factories have been at the centre of recent corruption scandals. The directors of four sugar factories in Haradzeya, Skidzel, Slutsk, and Zhabinka were detained for their alleged involvement in a corruption scheme. This incident brought attention to the issue of corruption in the country, with President Lukashenka himself commenting on the scheme and using the story to showcase his administration's fight against corruption.

The fight against corruption has been a central theme of President Lukashenka's political career. However, despite his rhetoric and the implementation of measures such as a 2019 decree to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, the number of corruption cases in Belarus has not decreased. Experts attribute this to the state-controlled economy, which creates numerous opportunities for corruption schemes based on state monopoly and the lack of transparency in the public procurement system.

To effectively tackle corruption in state-owned enterprises and factories, Belarus needs to implement systematic reforms that promote self-governance and transparency. Publishing the reports of state-owned enterprises online, for instance, could help monitor and prevent corruption. Additionally, signing Integrity Pacts, as suggested by political analyst Ryhor Astapenya, could positively impact the country's corruption levels.

The fight against corruption has been a focus of President Lukashenka's rhetoric

In 2019, Lukashenka signed a decree to strengthen the fight against corruption, which stipulated that people accused of corruption would be deprived of the right to be released on parole. Nevertheless, corruption remains endemic, particularly in state-owned enterprises and factories, many of which are loss-making. Almost every year, bribery scandals emerge involving high-flyers working for state-run enterprises. For example, in 2016, three top managers of the refining company Naftan received criminal sentences of 7 to 12 years for bribery.

In recent years, there have been several high-profile corruption scandals in Belarus. In January 2024, a plane travelling from Minsk to Munich was forced to return to the nearest Belarusian airport in Hrodna, where a group of passengers, including the director of a sugar factory in Haradzeya, were removed. Shortly after, the directors of three other sugar factories were detained for allegedly participating in a corruption scheme. In another instance, in 2019, a number of heads of health institutions were arrested on charges of corruption.

While the Belarusian government has taken some steps to address corruption, such as increasing transparency and democratic reforms, the country still ranks relatively low on the Corruption Perceptions Index. In 2023, Belarus scored 37, ranking 98th out of 180 countries. This indicates that, despite President Lukashenka's rhetoric, corruption remains a significant issue in Belarus, and more systematic efforts are needed to effectively tackle the problem.

The democratisation of Belarus is key to overcoming corruption

Belarus has long been considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The country's score of 37 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 98 out of 180 countries, indicates a serious problem with corruption in the public sector. While the score has improved slightly in recent years, with a rank of 66 out of 180 countries in 2023 according to Transparency International, it is still far from being acceptable. The root of the problem lies in the country's authoritarian governance and heavily controlled state apparatus, which have enabled widespread corruption and human rights abuses.

The concentration of power in the hands of a few, with little to no checks and balances, has created an environment conducive to corruption. This is further exacerbated by a lack of transparency and accountability, particularly in state-owned enterprises, which make up a significant portion of the Belarusian economy. The judicial system, which is meant to deter and punish corruption, has also been criticised for its lack of independence, with court staffing decisions determined by the president.

To truly combat corruption in Belarus, systematic liberalisation and democratic reforms are necessary. Democratisation is key to breaking the cycle of corruption and authoritarianism. A democratic system would provide the checks and balances necessary to hold those in power accountable and prevent the concentration of power that enables grand corruption. It would also empower civil society to participate in anti-corruption efforts and hold their government to account.

Additionally, increasing transparency and independence in the judicial system is crucial. This includes ensuring the impartiality of the judiciary and allowing for open and public trials. Signing Integrity Pacts, as suggested by political analyst Ryhor Astapenya, could also help to improve transparency and prevent corruption.

By embracing democratisation and implementing systematic reforms, Belarus can break free from the clutches of corruption and build a more just and accountable society for its citizens. It is important to note, however, that the success of these efforts depends on the genuine commitment of the Belarusian leadership to fight corruption, rather than using it as a political tool to gain support.

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