Media criticises 'worsening' of corruption in Morocco
Morocco, Politics, 10/22/2004

Moroccan newspapers on Thursday described as "worsening" the situation of corruption in the country which, with a 3.2 score, regressed to the 77th position along with Egypt, Benin and Mali, as shown in the Transparency international Corruption Perceptions Index, published Wednesday.

L'Economiste daily deplored that only four years ago, Morocco ranked 45th, stressing that "it is only an issue of political will to take care, really and efficiently, of the most underprivileged people, of those who are the first victims of the decline of public services and of the degradation of the political decision-making."

Al-Bayane newspaper finds the Index alarming deeming that "the spread of corruption at all levels of the political, economic and social life, is a phenomenon that pollutes relationships and exchanges in our country."

"There is no doubt that the lack of a firm policy against corruption is at the origin of its development. The State does not shoulder its responsibilities in this matter as the legislation, an indispensable tool to fight this plague, does not protect the public leaving it in a weak position face to an omnipotent and arrogant administration."

Despite the media criticism, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), Peter Eigen, hailed the efforts made by the Moroccan government and civil society to promote transparency and fight corruption.

Eigen, who presented Wednesday in London his organization's report 2004, also hailed Morocco's decision to celebrate an Anti-corruption Day.

A total of 106 out of 146 countries score less than 5 against a clean score of 10, according to the new index. Sixty countries score less than 3 out of 10, indicating rampant corruption. Corruption is perceived to be most acute in Bangladesh, Haiti, Nigeria, Chad, Myanmar, Azerbaijan and Paraguay, all of which have a score of less than 2.

"Countries with a score higher than 9, that is those with very low levels of perceived corruption, are predominantly rich countries, namely Finland, New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. But the poorest countries, most of which are in the bottom half of the index, are in greatest need of support in fighting corruption." said the TI Chairman.

Transparency International, the only international non-governmental organization devoted to combating corruption, brings civil society, business, and governments together in a powerful global coalition.

Through its International Secretariat and more than 85 independent national chapters around the world, the Berlin-based graft watchdog raises awareness about the damaging effects of corruption, advocates policy reform, works towards the implementation of multilateral conventions and subsequently monitors compliance by governments, corporations and banks.

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