Rustam Minnikhanov: The number of citizens facing corruption is decreasing steadily in Tatarstan

On March 10, speaking at a meeting of the Commission for Coordination of Anti-corruption Activities in Tatarstan at the Kazan Kremlin, President of the republic Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan's experience in implementing anti-corruption measures is recommended for use in other Russian regions.

Opening the meeting, Minnikhanov noted that work on the implementation of anti-corruption policy in Tatarstan is carried out in all areas from the upbringing of the younger generation and legal education to the inspection of government officials for the legitimacy of their incomes. As a result, the number of residents who face corruption is decreasing steadily in the republic. If it was every fifth citizen of the republic in 2009-2011 (21 per cent), today the number has reduced by half (9.6 per cent).

According to Minnikhanov, a lot of work was done to reduce corruption risks during the Year of Water Protection Zones. As a result of joint efforts of the prosecutor's office and monitoring bodies, about 1700 violations of water protection legislation were eliminated, 365 facilities were dismantled, and free access of citizens to the coastal strips of water bodies and their water areas was secured. “We will continue this activity this year with the focus on forest areas in particular”, he said.

Minnikhanov continued that the reduction of criminal cases related to fictitious extracts from rural household registers is an important result of preventive measures. The initiative to implement control procedures in this area and individual work with officials has had a positive impact, he said.

The law enforcement bodies have intensified their efforts as well. In 2016, as many as 1038 crimes of corruption, 157 crimes on the facts of receiving bribes were identified and suppressed. Residents file petitions of extortion and bribery more often.  

The President said that it is of paramount importance to identify personal interest of officials and exclude a conflict of interests at early stages. “Last year's results showed that there is a large amount of work. Even ministers have cases of providing false information about their incomes, as well as the existence of a conflict of interest. There are cases of illegal disposal of land plots by some regional heads. At the same time, auction procedures are violated or not applied at all, and allotted plots cannot be used for their intended purpose. As a result, the budget is underpaid," he said.

"As a result, we have an increase in the number of crimes and social tension. I emphasize that the rule “you need to start with yourself” is the most relevant here. First of all, we are talking about an unconditional observance of the rule of law”, Minnikhanov said.

Then, reports on anti-corruption measures and implementation of the state programme “Implementation of the anti-corruption policy of the Republic of Tatarstan for 2015-2020” were made.

Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Chairman of State Council of the republic Farid Mikhametshin, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other officials took part in the meeting.