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December 9 marks the International Day Against Corruption. Its objective is to draw public attention to corruption as one of the most dangerous social phenomena that threatens human rights and state democracy, distorts social justice, competition and business conditions, hinders economic security, endangers the public administration, the stability of state institutions and public morals. The International Day Against Corruption aims to encourage people to fight corruption.
I am sure that public awareness is the only weapon that can curb corruption, intimidating the “organizers” who create plans for personal gain through power. I have the deep conviction that only openness, transparency and openness can be the key to success in the fight against corruption.
And time is not the best ally here. Over the years, the “organizers” have been cunning, corruption is taking more complex forms, increasingly complicated and more difficult to detect. Finally, the State on its website is no longer capable of unmasking even the smallest manifestations of corruption, which constitute the whole.
Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for US President Donald Trump, who became mayor of New York in 1993, began his work in the city precisely from minor crimes. His ideas that no strategy will tackle corruption and crime until petty crime is brought under control has paid off. In just two years, New York’s felony crime rate has dropped by more than a third and homicides by nearly half.
Giuliani’s policy was based on the “broken windows” theory, which states that minor crimes must be addressed to prevent them from increasing in number and the transition from greater impunity to more serious crimes (if windows are broken). they will not be replaced, the vandals will break the remaining healthy windows until they destroy the entire building).
It is also very important for everyone to realize that our assets are not just what is in our bank accounts or in our homes. We must also take care and feel responsible for how money from the state or municipal budget, which is the common pocket of all, is our common cause. Would you stand still and smile when you see the thieves “own” your house? So why do we have to sit quietly to watch the state, the state of us all, our common cause being stolen?
I always knew that I was not a soldier in the field, but was convinced of this sacred truth again when I began leading the Alytus City Township Anti-Corruption Commission about a year and a half ago. I am very pleased that the 14 members of our committee are active, dig deep into the issues under discussion, have principles and have a strong opinion. I rejoice in the united work of all of us.
On December 9, the world commemorates the International Day Against Corruption and I celebrate my birthday that day. I don’t think so by chance. I think a lot in this life is pre-programmed about the powers above us, and we just have to fulfill our mission. I think it was not for nothing that life brought me to Alytus, she did not unnecessarily show the direction of the fight against corruption, she is not lacking in challenges in life and daily work.
In my opinion, transparency and openness in the management of the City of Alytus should become core values. I share the main points on how to communicate with public sector employees:
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do not offer gifts for the duties they perform;
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Please note that gifts can only be officially given and accepted in public service by law;
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The good that you want to give for a good job, keep it for yourself or give it to poor families, grandparents, the disabled, so all together we will avoid uncomfortable situations;
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so-called “gifts”, “thank you” and “waiters” are considered bribes;
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Remember that there is a strict liability for illegal rewards for both the donor and the recipient;
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know that even a promise, an agreement, a provocation, a demand, an offer to accept a bribe or such mediation is already considered a crime;
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Employees must report any “gift” or attempted bribe to their immediate superior or law enforcement authorities;
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notify the Special Investigation Service or our City of Alytus Township Anti-Corruption Commission about the money or other valuables that are requested, requests to carry out other illegal actions;
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Be an example to others through your transparent behavior.
I urge and invite the people of Alytus to contribute to promoting transparency and publicity in Alytus, because the well-being of our city is a common cause for all of us. As? Without much effort, but with tremendous principles.
Best regards, Sincerely
President of the Anticorruption Commission
Laura Radzevičiūtė
