Fico: OECD to Conduct Audit of Anti-corruption Legislation in Slovakia

Fico: OECD to Conduct Audit of Anti-corruption Legislation in Slovakia

Paris, January 16 (TASR – correspondent) – The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will carry out an audit of Slovak anti-corruption legislation, according to an agreement struck between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurrio in Paris on Monday.

“I as prime minister want an objective audit of anti-corruption legislation in Slovakia. But it will be neither journalists, nor Opposition leaders who’ll get to say: this is bad and this is good. International organisations, with whom we cooperate in this regard, have been established to that end,” stressed Fico at a press briefing held in Paris.

The audit is designed to determine whether anti-corruption legislation is effective and standard, and whether it could pose an obstacle to economic growth. “We’re absolutely convinced that the OECD will adopt a completely objective stance on the issue,” added the Slovak prime minister.

Gurria emphasised that the OECD doesn’t mean to tell Slovakia what to do, its goal is only to share the best experience from abroad. Based on this, Slovakia might consider whether or not a change of rules is in order. “It would be up to you, the Slovak Parliament and Slovak society how to implement measures leading to the fight against corruption in practice,” he stated.

Both representatives also inked a Memorandum of Understanding to Bolster Cooperation in the Fight against Corruption.