In his speech, the Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office focused particularly on meeting the commitments and complying with the restrictions established for state and municipal employees, as well as work by anti-corruption units of government agencies.
Sergei Ivanov pointed out the flaws in the officials’ 2013 income statements and called on them to be more responsible when submitting tax returns for 2014. He stressed that providing information on income, spending and property is an important anti-corruption measure that ensures state officials’ discipline.
Mr Ivanov noted that certain progress has been achieved in recent years in the fight against corruption, including improvements to legislation and the experience accumulated by the regions. He stated that in the first half of 2014, anti-corruption units conducted 120 audits at the federal and regional levels, which resulted in cases initiated against 5,000 civil servants. Sergei Ivanov emphasised that the regional heads together with the heads of anti-corruption units are responsible for organising this work.
Also, the Chief of Staff stressed the necessity to counter corruption in the procurement of goods and services for state and municipal needs.
Sergei Ivanov also called on the regional heads to pay close attention to issues pertaining to admitting and organising accommodation in the regions for Ukrainian refugees taking into account their increased number.