VVThis analysis will center on the major achievement of Saakashvili’s anti-corruption pursuit: eradication of petty corruption and promotion of transparent practices. Some attention will also be given to the elimination of corruption in the higher education sector, taxation reform, and procurement and competition reform, although the latter initiative cannot yet be said to have completely eradicated bureaucratic advantage. Then, a significant amount of attention will be given to the societal reforms and government initiatives that have furthered the anti-corruption endeavour.
II. FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
VVSaakashvili’s successful presidential campaign (95% of the vote in January 2004)11 was primarily due to his insistence on addressing and eradicating corruption. Thus far in this article, a distinction has been made between petty and elite corruption. This is because while Saakashvili mandated the end of corruption, this did not include the elite corruption that was widespread throughout his tenure – the government’s definition of corruption was what others would identify as petty corruption12,13. That is to say, the Saakashvili administration was able to claim the elimination of corruption because their definition of corruption was limited to the bribes and other petty acts carried out by front-line officials. They did not acknowledge the elite corruption of state budgets and spending, nor the widespread nepotism, that individuals and civil society organizations criticize the government for preserving behind-the-scenes14. This nuance is important to keep in mind.
VVPetty corruption was rampant in Georgia before the Rose Revolution. Saakashvili enjoyed a concentration of presidential power which allowed for the imposition of order and the ability to take unilateral radical actions, but it also increased authoritarianism and inhibited democracy. However, the successes are blatant: the “tradition of bribery on the roads of Georgia was completely eradicated, which enhanced the country’s role in the system of international transportation corridors”[1]. The registration of public services was facilitated, allowing greater ease for citizens to obtain official documents.
8811. Miller 2004
8812. Papava 2013
8813. Interview with Transparency International; Tbilisi, February 2014
8814. Interview with the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum; Tbilisi, February 2014
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