V. Sinkevičius addressed journalists in parliament on Thursday, asserting that concerns regarding corruption risk assessment extend far beyond the Ministry of Agriculture. He stated that incoming democratic ministers overseeing various ministries must conduct comprehensive reviews of corruption risks across all associated departments.
Citing the Ministry of Agriculture as an example, Sinkevičius noted that the government itself often lacks full clarity regarding the scope and functions of all related organizations. He expressed concern over the proliferation of complex bureaucratic bodies, suggesting that many such entities—which he metaphorically described as having excessive complexity, referencing the imagery of “horns and nails”—should potentially be removed from the state structure. According to Sinkevičius, if these organizations perform essential functions, those roles could be reassigned or strengthened within existing governmental frameworks.
Furthermore, he proposed that the abolition of institutions such as the VAT system could significantly optimize public finances and expenditures while simultaneously mitigating potential avenues for corruption. The implementation of these structural reforms, he explained, would require significant legislative action. To pass the necessary bills, Sinkevičius indicated that securing a two-thirds majority within the parliament would be a necessary prerequisite.
Topics: #organizations #ministries #horns
It seems like the push to review corruption risks needs to apply across multiple government bodies, not just the Ministry of Agriculture.