Since the Rose Revolution at the end of 2003, Georgia has had
singular success in fighting corruption in a variety of public
services. This book is an attempt to chronicle these efforts and to
distil the ‘how to’ of these anti-corruption reforms. The
reason corruption in public services had to be fought was clear. What
had to be done was also obvious to many. But little has been written on
‘how’ the government made it happen. What were the salient
features of Georgia's anti-corruption reforms? Can Georgia’s
success with cleaning up its public services be replicated elsewhere or
is it unique? And are the achievements to date in Georgia
sustainable?
This book tries to answer these questions. It uses available data
and interviews with current and former government officials to describe
the challenges facing government, the decisions made, and the tradeoffs
considered. It presents eight case studies covering anti-corruption
reforms in the patrol police, taxes, customs, power supply, business
deregulations, civil and public registries, university entrance exams,
and municipal services. They also analyze the accountability framework
between the government, public services providers and the users of the
services.
From these case studies, ten themes emerge that help explain
Georgia’s success story: having strong political will and vision;
establishing credibility early; undertaking a frontal assault;
attracting new staff; limiting the role of the state; adopting
unconventional methods; coordinating closely; tailoring international
experience to local conditions; harnessing technology; and using
communications strategically. Many of these may seem obvious. What was
special was the comprehensiveness, boldness, pace, and sequencing of
these reforms. Much still remains to be done in Georgia, especially in
strengthening the institutions that safeguard against a relapse of
corruption, and in ensuring adequate checks and balances. And while
each country is unique, many elements of Georgia’s story can be
replicated elsewhere. Georgia’s success destroys the myth that
‘corruption is culture’ and gives hope to all those
aspiring to clean up their public services.
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