Corruption: Malagasy state reportedly loses $800 million a year
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Midi Madagasikara
Economy and Finance Minister Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison estimates that tax and customs fraud and corruption deprive the Malagasy state of around $800 million a year. A corruption risk map, validated on 6 November, targets ten procedures, including recruitment, public tenders and medical reimbursements, according to the ministry.
According to Economy and Finance Minister Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison, fraud and corruption in tax and customs matters are depriving the state of Madagascar of around $800 million a year. The minister spoke on the national channels TVM and RNM.
On 6 November the ministry validated a corruption risk map targeting ten procedures, including recruitment, medical reimbursements, public tenders and the collection of customs revenue. The MEF, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, specifies that their inclusion does not presume individual wrongdoing.
The minister also recalled that the tax burden remains around 10.5% of GDP, compared with 15 to 18% in some countries at a comparable level of development. He called on citizens and public officials to report irregularities, with the possibility of anonymous reporting. An instruction from the secretariat general dated 4 November provides for the drawing up of service catalogues setting out the procedures, required documents, official fees and processing times.
On 26 October, the minister had already imposed 24-hour reporting and weekly summaries. The same day, ministry staff had made a pledge against corruption.
