By: Vančo K. Tegov
Corruption in post‑socialist societies is a complex phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a single cause. The central question – whether it represents a post‑socialist norm (i.e., a deeply rooted cultural‑legal practice carried over from the previous system) or an eruption of unrealised potential (i.e., an outburst of frustration, disappointment, and opportunism triggered by a failed transition to a fair, meritocratic, and efficient society) – requires consideration of both dimensions. The truth likely lies in a combination of the two, with a strong emphasis on the former.
Post‑socialist norm: the legacy of the system
Communist and socialist regimes systematically undermined the rule of law, the separation of powers, and individual accountability. The economy was centralised, and decisions were based on political loyalty rather than competence or market signals. Chronic shortages of goods and services gave rise to informal networks (connections, “acquaintances,” bribes, a “small gift” to speed up a procedure). This was not perceived as corruption but as a survival strategy in a system where the state owned almost everything. In many cases, privatisation unfolded non‑transparently, through insider deals, political parties, and old elites. The nomenclature often reinvented itself as new capitalists or influential lobbying groups.
Slovenia as a corrupt “Mecca”
The key problem of the Slovenian state is corruption. It is deeply entrenched, imprinted in the genetic code of its actors and their successors, and it permeates every layer of society. In Slovenia, the system is structured in such a way that even illegal polling stations can be set up in the courtyard of a local “lord,” who, with the help of his janissaries, guards uncounted and unnumbered ballots and thus shapes the outcome to his advantage.
Even in feudal times it was clear that you owed the lord a tithe. Today it is worse: in addition to all the taxes, you must pay another ten percent – and you know there is always something going on behind the scenes. The institutions that should prevent this are weak or have severely compromised integrity. This applies especially to the judiciary, the police, and oversight bodies, which have retained personnel continuity from the previous regime along with the habit of “looking the other way” or even actively participating. A culture of low trust in institutions and high trust in personal networks has led to corruption becoming a “social convention” in post‑socialist societies. If everyone is doing it, you would be foolish not to do it as well. The costs are low, the benefits high. Many people in such an environment even feel fulfilled and “respected” within their circle.
Eruption of unrealised potential: the frustrations of transition
The second dimension is equally important. For many, the transition to capitalism and democracy brought deep disappointment. Expectations of rapid prosperity, fairness, and “European standards” often failed to materialise. A new form of inequality emerged: some, connected to centres of power, became wealthy through dubious deals, while others remained on the margins of society (high unemployment in the 1990s, company collapses, social insecurity). This creates a sense that “the system does not work fairly.” As a result, people – both ordinary citizens and officials – turn to corruption as a form of compensation: “If others are stealing, why shouldn’t I?” or “Nothing works without connections.” The unfulfilled promises of meritocracy, the rule of law, and equal opportunities lead to cynicism and opportunism. Corruption thus becomes a symptom of deeper disillusionment with “wild capitalism” or “fake reforms.” In this sense, corruption truly is an eruption – a release of pressure that builds up when institutions fail to ensure fair play. However, this frustration is not the primary cause but an accelerant. In countries with strong institutions (for example, the Baltic states after successful reforms), such an eruption is far less pronounced.
What predominates?
The post‑socialist norm predominates, because:
- corruption was built into the very DNA of the system (centralism, lack of accountability, double standards),
- the transition did not bring a complete break: elites, habits, and values were largely preserved,
- empirical data show that corruption in post‑socialist countries is systemic and persistent, not merely a temporary consequence of “hard times.”
At the same time, the eruption of unrealised potential explains why corruption intensifies in certain environments: when people see that honest work does not lead to success, while connections and bribes do, the norm becomes further entrenched. A vicious circle emerges – weak institutions → corruption → even less trust → even more corruption.
The solution does not lie in moralising or in searching for culprits in the past, but in decisively strengthening institutions: an independent judiciary, full transparency in public procurement, effective whistleblower protection, merit‑based hiring, and consistent punishment (not only of “small fish”). Countries that have implemented such reforms seriously (Estonia, and at certain points also Georgia) have significantly reduced corruption. Where continuity of old practices has been preserved, or where new political clientelist networks have emerged, corruption remains chronic.
Corruption is therefore not an inevitable “norm” of post‑socialism, but it is a highly likely outcome if the transition remains incomplete. It is not merely an eruption of frustration – it is above all the result of a system that has not replaced the old logic of power with a new logic of rules and accountability. Until that happens, corruption will remain part of everyday life.
Are we capable of disabling this multi‑headed serpent of corruption?
We must be, and we are. The time has come to do so – first for ourselves, and for you who are courageous enough to step forward. You, the generation that wants to live fully, to create rather than tremble, to express your thoughts rather than hold them in. We must not allow corruption and its “creators” to claim a kind of “native right” to this country. And if anyone believes they already possess it, it must be taken from them immediately. Slovenia must be cleansed of corruption – wherever it exists and in whatever stage it appears. Those who cause it, cultivate it, and carry it out must be found and placed where they belong, so they can devote themselves to washing away their moral and actual stains.
The horizon above us and ahead of us must be clear. We must give the future that is coming the chance to open a bright view of the sky and of a better tomorrow.