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Valuable lessons in the anti-corruption battle

2026-01-13 13:35:00, Opinione Ermelinda Meksi

Singapore as a successful state model

From my experience at the OSCE, to learn and exchange the most advanced international practices in the fight against corruption, the Singapore model stands out as one of the most coherent, sustainable and effective. It is not the product of isolated measures, but of a state-building philosophy built on the fundamental principle: "Zero Tolerance" to corruption, without exceptions and without excuses.
This model is based on several main pillars:
#Strong governance and independent institutions
Singapore created a special anti-corruption structure (CPIB) with full legal powers, highly selected human resources and real independence from political power.
Neither the Prime Minister nor the ministers are immune from investigation. This institution embodies the principle of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew: "If you want a clean government, do not hesitate to punish your friends."

Real Check & Balance

The system operates under constant supervision, transparency and accountability. No link in the administration is out of control, thus avoiding institutional capture and maintaining public trust.

Integrity and meritocracy in career

The integrity of public servants, from the lowest to the highest, is the foundation of the system. In Singapore:
Appointments are based on career, results and ethics.
Institutional evaluation is strict and continuous.
Directors, prosecutors, judges and ministers pass very strong professional and moral filters.
Competitive salaries serve to reduce the temptation to corruption, but punishment is inevitable when the law is broken.
#Investigation without distinction of position or amount of money
The anti-corruption institution investigates every case, regardless of whether it is $ 5 or $ 500 thousand, for a simple civil servant or a minister. The principle is iron: the law is above rank.
#Political will and anti-corruption social culture
At the foundation lies the continuous political will, which is manifested in:: drafting laws, strengthening institutions, creating a culture of non-compromise against corruption.
This will, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country from 1959-1990, and continued by his son Lee Hsien Loong, who has led the country since 2004, transformed the fight against corruption into a national mission and a social moral norm.

Reform as a long-term process

It took Singapore about 25 years to transform from a country known for smuggling, bribery and "coffee under the hand", into one of the countries with almost zero corruption levels in the world. This transformation proves that: reforms take time, consistency, and above all political courage to affect even the powerful elites..
#Conclusion
Corruption is not fought with words, but with strong institutions, people with integrity and political will that does not waver for any reason.
The Singaporean model is considered a reference point for 'best practice' at the global level. Many EU countries have adapted parts of this model, respecting their legal, political and cultural context.
The biggest difference: in the anti-corruption fight is that: in Singapore this has become a state culture, while in Albania it is still a political and social battle to be won.