The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption as a preventive anti-corruption agency in Macedonia

Abstract

This paper deals with the core preventive Anti-corruption Agency (ACA) of the Republic of Macedonia, namely the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC). The idea therein is two-fold: firstly, to explain the ACA model which the Republic of Macedonia has chosen and, secondly, to criticize some of the characteristics of the respective legal and institutional framework. Of course, we do not aim to analyze every aspect of the SCPC – which would imply a much longer article than the one at hand – but rather to focus on the most important details. In that respect, we will place focus on the SCPC's competencies (functions, tasks and powers) and discuss if they are properly designed. Furthermore, we will tackle the institutional design and the capacities of the institution, so to illuminate the existing discrepancy between this ACA's de-jure competencies and de-facto possibilities. Thirdly, we will speak of its effectiveness. Doing so, we will not only draw the attention of the international research community to the SCPC but also enable comparative research in the future. What is especially valuable to note is that in terms of many of its characteristics, the SCPC is compared to other ACAs in the region of Southeastern Europe too, meaning that an initial contrast has been set. Finally, the main findings of the text are such that an answer for improvement cannot be provided instantly, but additional work in the field is required. Thus, one can only hope that this research inspires other individuals and professionals in the sphere too.