Gjonaj presents anti-corruption network to ambassadors

As the anti-corruption action plan 2019-23 was discussed, Gjonaj introduced the network established by the Ministry of Justice with a co-ordinator of anticorruption at 16 agencies at the central level and a local-level part.

In the quality of the National Anti-corruption Co-ordinator, Gjonaj presented the results of the task-force group and some of the action plan indicators.

“The activity of anticorruption task force has resulted quite positive with concrete results that have helped inform the published but also in punishing cases of corruption in administrative responsibility or criminal responsibility. In a year and a half, more than 650 disciplinary measures have been taken for public administration employees. 120 of them at high and medium-level management, have left office, and more than 40 public officials have been sent with criminal denouncing to prosecutor”, Gjonaj underlined.

“in the coming months, the anticorruption task force will receive an added value through the establishment of an anticorruption network, which will consist of anticorruption co-ordinator at 16 central and some local-level agencies, where, according to our data, citizens' perception of corruption for these agencies has been higher. These include the service and treatment of title, health, education, various inspectorates, the Tax and Customs Directorate, or even in those agencies that offer services, licenses to the public and various groups of intres”, Djoanj said.

The justice minister assured that this action plan is one of the government's top priorities, where it underlined that gradually the entire system is being established to a new level to reduce and effectively eliminate corruption cases: “What we have government priorities and I personally as minister is precisely eliminating corruption in the services given to citizens.

On the other hand, EU Ambassador Louis Soreca praised the work done by the ministry of Gjonaj, ensuring that the European Union will continue to further support projects undertaken by the Ministry of Justice to fight corruption. Among other things, he said the EU has provided a 10m-euro financial support in sectoral contracts and 1m euros in technical assistance.

“The fight of corruption is a long struggle and this can only be won by the effort of all society and all institutions together. It's a fight against the mentality of abuse. The justice ministry, Minister Gjonaj and all of its staff, has full support from the European Union in fighting corruption”, Sorica said.

Meanwhile, Gjonaj addressed a thank-you to Ambassador Sorenca, international partners and civil society who support the Ministry of Justice initiative.

It is encouraging to see so many representatives of our international partners and civil society as the main supporters of our anti-corruption battles. I would like to personally thank EU Ambassador Sorenca, who not only institutionally, but also personally has been a constant support of our initiatives in fighting corruption”, Johnaj concluded. / ATSH/