Corruption+in+Government

**__Return to Public Policy in Russia page__**

Widespread corruption is commonly acknowledged as one of Russia's most prominent problems. Corruption has also impeded democratic development in Russia. Since the very start of his term in office, President Dmitry Medvedev has prioritized the fight against corruption in his modernized agenda. He claimed that corruption has become, "a way of life" in Russia. In July 2008, he presented a National Anti-Corruption Plan, which was complemented in April 2010 by a comprehensive National Strategy for Countering Corruption ( [|Unofficial Copy of National Strategy for Countering Corruption]). The National Anti-Corruption Plan was aimed as eliminating corruption, especially among top officials. According to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Prosecutor General only a year after the National Anti-Corruption Plan was passed, 106 investigations have been initiated, and 12 corruption cases were tried involving bribes and damages totaling approximately $29 billion. The National Strategy for Countering Corruption reaffirmed the goals established in the National Anti-Corruption Plan. Additionally, it places more emphasis on eliminating corruption at the federal level in addition to the regional and local levels.
 * __Current Policies __**

media type="youtube" key="m4ncQF-KG2s" height="390" width="480" align="center" // President Medvedev talks about the issue of corruption in Russia //

Roughly 50% of Russians believe corruption is a permanent fact of life, stemming from official greed and immorality, according to a recent nationwide survey. Clearly, a vast majority of the population is aware that corruption is present in their government. Sadly, many Russians feel that corruption has become more severe since the times of the Soviet Union, which is noted for it's extreme corruption.
 * __Public Opinion __**



 Shockingly enough, all the political parties in Russia denounce corruption. However, the only party that has ever actually opposed corruption in the Duma is Yabloko, and currently they lack any members in the Duma. More often, accusations of corruption from the ruling party are used to keep smaller parties in line, lest the smaller parties be shut down for their supposed corruption. Also, because organized crime finances so many candidates and parties, along with business interests doing the same, many candidates and parties feel as though they have to engage in corrupt practices in order to be successful. Yabloko, being the sole opposition party to United Russia, has held many protests and demonstrations against the actions of the current government. They are well aware of the corruption that takes place on a daily basis in Russia.
 * __Political Party Stances __**

__**Implications **__  It is key that Russia overcomes their corrupt nature if advancements in the field of democracy are to take place. It is not only the actions of the policy makers and government officials, but also everyday citizens' actions that are considered corrupt. Sixty percent of Russians admitted to giving bribes in a recent poll. President Dmitry Medvedev said, "corruption is so bad it threatens Russia's very stability". This is by no means an understatement. Once the corrupt grounds that the government stands on are exposed, some major changes in the government could take place, but until then Russia will continue to remain a deeply rooted corrupt nation. The actions taken by President Medvedev are crucial in over coming corruption. If all parts of the acts are carried out then the levels of corruption should continue to decrease. However, it is tough to imagine that corruption at the federal level will be exposed while Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is still in power. Despite being prime minister, he has been able to significantly influence government and has taken on many roles that are traditionally awarded to the president.