​​Ukrainians fear corruption in future reconstruction more than war — sociological survey

The results of the survey show that in matters of rebuilding the country, Ukrainians, especially business representatives, consider corruption an even greater threat than a possible repetition of hostilities. The population and entrepreneurs consider the following to be the key problems of Ukraine: war, destruction, corruption, and unemployment. 

Such data were published by Transparency International Ukraine in a sociological study conducted by the Info Sapiens research agency with the support of the USAID Project Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI). The survey was conducted among the population and representatives of Ukrainian business about the needs and expectations of the future reconstruction of Ukraine. 

Among the main fears of Ukrainians regarding the future reconstruction, corruption ranks first, among other possible risks. Thus, 73% of Ukrainians and 80% of business representatives are most concerned about the resumption of corruption schemes in the reconstruction process. 63% of citizens and 73% of entrepreneurs fear the lack of control and, as a result, the embezzlement of public funds. The resumption of hostilities only comes third, according to the business (45%) and the population (55%). 

To neutralize the main fear of Ukrainians in the future reconstruction, that is, corruption, it is necessary to provide control mechanisms — this is the opinion of 33% of the population and 44% of business representatives. Moreover, Ukrainians are in favor of increasing criminal liability for corruption — 24% and 18% respectively. 

Ukrainians consider the following to be the main problems of the country: war (100%), destruction of infrastructure and housing (98%), as well as corruption (94%). The next most serious issues are the lack of professional specialists in power (61%) and unemployment (60%); the latter is perceived especially acutely by women (probably, they experience this problem more often). Among other important problems of Ukrainians are the high cost of living and low incomes.

And if the population places corruption third after the armed aggression of russia and its consequences, then for the business, the issues of corruption seem more serious than destruction. Business representatives complain significantly more often about corruption, lack of professionalism of the authorities, the injustice of the judicial system and are concerned about population migration and the lack of investment in the economy.

“The business, like the population of Ukraine, is afraid of corruption and the restoration of practices that lack integrity. At the same time, the business generally trusts the authorities less and relies more on itself. The results of the study emphasize the critical importance of ensuring transparent access to information, comprehensive communication, explanation of plans, and how citizens can influence certain stages of reconstruction and be engaged in different stages. This is the key to understanding and avoiding disappointments,” says Anastasia Mazurok, Deputy Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine. 

For reference:

Transparency International Ukraine is an accredited chapter of the global movement Transparency International, helping Ukraine grow stronger since 2012. The organization takes a comprehensive approach to the development and implementation of changes for reduction of corruption levels in certain areas.

TI Ukraine helped create and subsequently transferred Prozorro, Prozorro.Sale, eHealth, and Prozvit systems to the state. The team also implemented City Transparency and Accountability Rankings, developed the DOZORRO community to control public procurement, and co-founded the RISE UACoalition, which protects integrity and efficiency in the rebuilding process.

*This research was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the SACCI project. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Transparency International Ukraine and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

For reference: The Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program in Ukraine (SACCI) is a seven-year initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which aims to assist Ukraine to combat corruption and increase accountability and transparency of governance in Ukraine. The program seeks to empower key government institutions to fight corruption, build public support for and engagement in anti-corruption efforts, reduce citizen tolerance to corruption, as well as ensure maximum transparency and accountability of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and recovery.