The 2023 sstudy includes 10 institutions and sectors of socio-economic life, which are examined through the prism of: capacity for effective functioning of the surveyed sectors, their role and contribution to the development of local communities in the context of good governance and prevention of corruption. These, in turn, are evaluated through 177 indicators. The indicators reflect specific functions of the studied sector, which depend on the legislative regulation and the relevance of the particular indicator. The methodology of the study, conducted in 2023, has been updated to reflect: new requirements of anti-corruption legislation on the protection of persons who report or publicly disclose information on breaches and the practical actions of institutions and public structures in complying with the new legislation; actions of public structures in relation to the integrity and transparency of local elections (relevant to parties, media and business); new methods for obtaining information on the management of structures in municipal healthcare.
Methodology 2023
2023
Municipal Council
Capacity
Independence of the Municipal Council
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The work of the Municipal Council is based on its own program with clear strategic priorities, which also includes the fight against corruption | ||
| The public image of the Municipal Council is good and its decisions are not a result of opaque lobbying |
Role
Oversight over the Local Executive
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal councilors' input in discussions of the annual budget of the municipality | ||
| Efficiency in the execution of the Municipal council's control competencies | ||
| Effective use of the questions procedure by municipal councelors |
Representation
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Organization of periodic meetings of municipal councilors (or their party groups) for citizens of their electoral district | ||
| Established mechanism for active involvement of citizens and their organizations in the formulation of policies of local importance | ||
| The Municipal Council takes into account the recommendations of the local ombudsman | ||
| Established mechanism for transparent involvement of the local businesses in formulation of specific proposals and policies for local development |
Governance
Transparency in the Activities of the Municipal Council
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency in the activities of the municipal councilors | ||
| Transparency of the standing committees' work | ||
| Transparency of the political groups | ||
| Transparency of the Municipal council's work |
Accountability in the Activities of the Municipal Council
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability of Municipal council members/municipal councilors | ||
| Accountability of Municipal council's standing committees | ||
| Accountability of the Municipal council as self-governance authority at local level |
Integrity in the Activities of the Municipal Council
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption of Ethics Code/ethical standards | ||
| The Code of Ethics is up to date to the good governance ethical standards | ||
| An effective mechanism to review signals for unethical conduct and corrupt behavior of municipal councilors is set up | ||
| An effective mechanism to prevent conflict of interest of municipal councilors is set up |
Mayor
Capacity
А Clear Vision for Development
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The mayor has proposed a vision for the development of the municipality, including measures for good governance and prevention of corruption | ||
| Public access to reports for the implementation of the strategy | ||
| Other adopted strategies, programs and plans for the development of the municipality |
Sustainable Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption of an annual programme for investment/capital expenditures, which takes into account the needs of the citizens of the municipality | ||
| External resources accumulated through projects and contracts, in addition to the municipal budget | ||
| Public information available with reports regarding the implementation of projects by the municipality |
Role
Management of the Local Administration
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The appointements in the municipal administration are based on competitions and criteria for proven professional capabilities. | ||
| Qualification and training opportunities for municipal administration staff |
Control over Local Service Providers
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency in the selection of external service providers | ||
| Implemented control over external public service providers, including public contractors |
Interaction with the Local Business
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusion of local business in the decision-making process at the local level | ||
| Public information regarding the rules for regulation over the activities of the local business, published on the municipal website | ||
| Control bodies in the municipality implement check-ups of the local business on the basis of pre-scheduled planning and clear criteria |
Governance
Transparency of the Mayor's team work
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency of the process of drafting the municipal budget | ||
| Transparency of the municiapl budget implementation | ||
| Transparency of the Mayor's team work |
Accountability of the Mayor
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor and his/her team use a variety of mechanisms for communication with citizens | ||
| Mayor and his/her team use a variety of accountability tools | ||
| Publicly accessible information on the implementation of important decisions |
Integrity of the Mayor and His/Her Team
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics code/code of conduct adopted for the members of the managing team of the municipality | ||
| The mayor and the members of his/her team comply with the requirements for declaring a conflict of interest and there are no cases of unethical behavior, conflict of interest or corrupt behavior | ||
| The mayor and his/her team develop own anticorruption initiatives or participate in aticorruption initiatives. |
Municipal Administration
Capacity
Adequate Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Established system for providing quality and timely administrative services | ||
| Implementation of a system for electronic provision of services |
Independence
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rules and practices adopted for guaranteeing the municipal administration's independence from external interference | ||
| Rules adopted for the submission of signals by citizens regarding irregularities in the functioning of the administration | ||
| Submitted signals and recommendations are used for further improvement of administrative services |
Role
Fostering Accountability and Civil Society Participation
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen surveys for opinions and recommendations available on the municipal website and in print | ||
| Provided opportunity for civil participation in the planning of municipal policies | ||
| Provided opportunity for legitimate business participation in the planning of municipal policies |
Local Taxes
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Information regarding tax payment published visibly on website/offices of the municipality | ||
| Possibility for online payment of local taxes via municipal website | ||
| Regular publishing of information on municipal website regarding local tax revenues |
Management of Municipal Assets
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lists (registers) available of municipal real estate (buildings, land, etc.) with possibility for citizen reference | ||
| Corruption scandals in the management of municipal property |
Investment Friendly Servicing
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Created specialised structure for investment promotion and interaction with the business | ||
| A specialized section has been created on the website of the municipality with information on the conditions for doing business, including attracting investments |
Governance
Transparency of Municipal Administration Servants
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drafts of strategic documents and regulations published by the administration on the municipal website for public discussion | ||
| Reports and accounts of the implementation of municipal policies published on the municipal website | ||
| Lists (register) established by the administration and updated on the companies with municipal ownership, incl. publishing reports of their activity |
Accountability of Municipal Administration Servants
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The administration publishes its annual activity reports | ||
| Results of investigations reported to the management, by making decisions to eliminate deficiencies and to impose sanctions |
Integiry of of Municipal Administration Servants
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Availability of clear ethical rules for local municipal administration | ||
| There is a control mechanism for the implementation of Ethics Code /ethical rules | ||
| Declaring of incompatibility and conflict of interest |
Political Parties
Capacity
Adequate Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local political parties sources of funding | ||
| Use of offered office space for party/private purposes | ||
| Use of funds of obscure origin to buy votes and hidden media coverage |
INDEPENDENCE AND REPRESENTATION OF INTERESTS
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Независимост на общинските съветници от външно влияние | ||
| Роля на местните структури при номиниране на кандидати за изборни позиции |
Role
INTEREST ASSOCIATION AND REPRESENTATION
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-corruption proposals at national level in the pre-election programs | ||
| Anti-corruption policies and measures of political parties at local level |
INTERACTION WITH THE CIVIL SOCIETY
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Party initiatives in response to citizens' needs and expectations | ||
| Support to public campaigns and NGOs initiatives |
Governance
Transparency of Local Political Partices/Candidates
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Provided information on local party leaders with contact details, including local party clubs | ||
| Information on the address and activity of the local party structures |
Accountability of Local Political Partices/Candidates
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability regarding the financing of parties and candidates in accordance with national legislation and international standards |
ADHERENCE TO ETHICAL STANDARDS
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Existence of written ethical standards that are known to party members | ||
| Implementation of ethical rules - cases of unethical behavior and sanctions applied | ||
| Vote buying and controlled vote practices |
Courts
Capacity
Adequate Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Workload of judges | ||
| Court building infrastructure and technical resources | ||
| Trainings of judges |
Role
Judicial Effectiveness
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Postponed case-trials | ||
| Timeliness of justice | ||
| Protested court decisions |
Governance
Transparency
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Providing publicity for the work of the Courts |
Accountability
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Regular publication of activity reports |
Integrity
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adherence to ethical codes and implementation of rules for non-joinder in cases of conflict of interest | ||
| Sanctions imposed following disciplinary proceedings |
Police
Capacity
Adequate Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-corruption training of local level police officers | ||
| Carrier development of local police heads of units is based on competition procedures |
Independence
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| System for dealing with signals for breaches by employees | ||
| Impartiality of local policeman and administration - not giving in to corruption pressure |
Role
Investigation of Corruption
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Closed corruption investigation cases – crimes in office (articles 282, 283, 283a of the Criminal Code) | ||
| Closed corruption investigation cases – bribes (articles 301 – 307а of the Criminal Code) | ||
| Effectiveness of investigation procedures - level of returned corruption cases for breaches of procedural rules at the investigation stage | ||
| Effectiveness in investigating crimes against citizens' voting rights (vote buying and pressure on voters) |
Governance
Transparency of Local Police Directorates
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Practice of providing access to public information | ||
| Providing public information about the work of the Ministry of Interior |
Accountability of Local Police Directorates
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Suistainable practice for police accountability at the local level |
Integrity of Local Police Directorates
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Measures to prevent conflicts of interest | ||
| Effective system for reporting and investigating corruption |
Business
Capacity
Independence of local business
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The decisions of local authorities regarding the economic activity in the municipality are not the result of illegitimate lobbying | ||
| Local business representatives are not subjected to misuse of power by local municipal authorities | ||
| Local business is involved in developing and advocating for regulations affecting its activities | ||
| Local business actively uses the opportunities for judicial protection and control |
Terms or conditions for the business to carry out economic activity
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable terms and conditions for carrying out economic activity | ||
| Stimulating favourable investment conditions |
Role
Participation and support for local anticorruption policies
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local business sector actively participates in municipal anticorruption policies | ||
| Local business representatives propose specific anticorruption measures and solutions |
Support for local civil society
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local business actively supports civil society in its anticorruption efforts and good governance initiatives |
Governance
Transparency of local business
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Large companies and local business organizations publish infromation regarding their management | ||
| Large companies and local business organizations publish infromation regarding their initiatives in the field of sustainability of the local community |
Accountability of local business
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business organizations are accountable for the results of their activities | ||
| The activity reports of large companies and related information is publicly accessible |
Integrity of local business
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local companies and business organizations/associations have ethical codes and actively promote them among the business sector | ||
| Local companies and business organizations/associations implement a zero tolerance policy towards corruption | ||
| Mechanisms for dealing with signals for breaches by citizens | ||
| Mechanisms for dealing with signals for breaches by employees |
Media
Capacity
Capacity of Local Media
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A variety of media exists on local level | ||
| Local media has sufficient financial resources to effectively implement its’ function of source of information |
Independence
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cases of harassment and threats towards journalists connected with their work | ||
| Cases of fired journalists over the last year in connection with conflicts with the editor/owner of the media | ||
| Local authorities are trying to exert control over local media by allocating advertising budgets and budgets for information activities. | ||
| Level of priority changes of local media according to the policies of different political parties | ||
| Controlled access to official and unofficial media sources |
Role
Investigation and exposing of corruption
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Media have investigated and exposed large cases of corruption and irregularities and breaches | ||
| Local media have specialized programs for publishing information regarding investigations and publishing signals from citizens |
Informing the Local Community of Corruption Impact. Ensuring pluralism of viewpoints
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized media programs and campaigns aimed at informing the broad public with anticorruption practices and good governance principles | ||
| Local media provide political pluralism and are not a tool for discrediting political opponents |
Governance
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local media ensure publicity of contracts regarding coverage of election campaigns | ||
| The media do not carry out systematic negative campaigns against registered participants in the elections |
Transparency of Local Media
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local print and electronic media publish information regarding their ownership | ||
| Print and electronic media publish the authors of the information materials, commentaries and analysis |
Accountability of Local Media
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local media provide the right of reply and support discussion forums for feedback | ||
| Local media publish tariffs and contracts with political parties in relation with election campaigns |
Integrity of Local Media
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The media follow an ethical code that has been established by the respective media or a professional association | ||
| Ethical codes are being employed effectively, real sanctions are in place, trainings are conducted for journalists on the topics of ethics | ||
| The basic rule of information checking from multiple sources is implemented | ||
| Obtained protection from a professional journalism association |
Civil Society
Capacity
Capacity of Local Civil Society Organizations
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local civil society organizations have access to municipal finding for financing activities with a high impact on local development | ||
| Local business has the practice of providing donations for civil society organizations | ||
| Local civil society organizations mobilize experts, persons with authority and citizens for their initiatives | ||
| Local civil society organizations receive support from local media |
Independence
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Over the last year there are no media publications on employing pressure over civil society organizations | ||
| Over the last year there are no media publications on dependencies between civil society organizations and a) local authorities; b) political parties; c) business |
Role
Effective Civil Society Oversight for Governance Accountability
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Civil society organizations regularly request information from local authorities | ||
| Over the last year civil society organizations have revealed cases of misuse and irregularities |
Anti-corruption Policies and Reforms
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Civil society organizations have organized or participated in forums and initiatives towards streamlining the anticorruption activities of civil society organizations and institutions | ||
| Civil society organizations initiate or participate in the development of anti-corruption strategies and proposals | ||
| Civil society organizations are involved in local authorities' good governance initiatives, including to provide expertise (opinions, experience, good practices) |
Governance
Transparency
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The websites of civil society organizations provide information regarding the members of their boards | ||
| Civil society organizations provide information regarding their projects and initiatives, including activities, results and finding |
Accountability
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The websites of civil society organizations provide information and reports on their activities | ||
| Civil society organizations have the practice of organizing press conferences, publication of information materials and giving interviews conserting their activities; |
Integrity
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local civil society organizations have established ethical codes, practices and standards of conduct | ||
| Local civil society organizations monitor and evaluate the implementation of established ethical rules | ||
| Local civil society organizations are part of networks that create and monitor ethical rules connected to the work of the civil sector | ||
| There are no media publications on unethical/unprofessional behavior of civil society organizations’ representatives and their connection with local business interests, local authorities and political parties |
Municipal hospitals
Capacity
Legal framework
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Existence of clearly circumscribied rules on the management of the municipal property in healthcare sector | ||
| Expert capacity of the Municipal Council to control municipal health care structures |
Material Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Existence of adequately maintained infrastructure | ||
| Availability of standard technical equipment |
Human Resources
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Provided specialists according to the registration of health carestructures | ||
| High-quality and properly paid employment to retain specialists in municipal health care structures |
Role
Anti-corruption policies
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal health care structures have their own anti-corruption policies | ||
| Municipal health care structures are involved and actively participate in policies and initiatives for the prevention of corruption,civil control and good governance in the municipality |
Governance
Transparency
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal health care structures provide access to public information for their management and supervisory bodies | ||
| Municipal health care structures provide access to public information on the financial aspects of their actitities |
Accountability
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal health care structures submit their annual financial and activity reports to the Municipal Council | ||
| Municipal councilors have access to specific documents related to the management of municipal health care structures | ||
| Local NGO's and media have access to specific documents related to the management of municipal health care structures |
Integrity
| Indicators | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Existence of ethical rules for the management and supervisory bodies in municipal health care structures | ||
| Established mechanisms for dealing with citizens' signals regarding irregularities in the management of municipal health care structures | ||
| Established mechanisms for dealing with reports of breaches in the management of hospitals submitted by hospital employees |