Transparency International-Bulgaria has presented successful practices and models for good governance to the Regional Public Council for Transparency and Civil Surveillance in Rousse.
Low levels of transparency and accountability in the activity of the municipal council, lack of a system for reporting about cases of law enforcement authorities’ corruption, weak support for anti-corruption initiatives on the business side – that is a part of the challenges identified from the Index regarding Rousse Municipality.
Experience in other regional centers shows that the figure of the local ombudsman has the potential to improve the dialogue between local authorities and citizens, to enhance the opportunities for civil participation in planning of municipal policies. Yet another recommendation of our team is the proactive approach to prevention of corruption risk by the municipal administration.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Giurgiu County Council, who in turn outlined the role of local authorities in the fight against corruption in Romania. The guests from Romania estimated the TI-Bulgaria research as a very good foundation for improving of anti-corruption environment on the local level.
We will monitor the implementation of the proposed recommendations and the progress of the municipalities at the upcoming Local Integrity System Index 2017.
You could see the results of Rousse Municipality for 2016 on our special website Local Integrity System Index.