Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” – Skopje

Total budget: 2,962,939 MKD

Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2026 (12 months)

Specific topic: ANTI-CORRUPTION AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM

Partners:

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje

Institute for Sociological and Political-Legal Research – Skopje (ISSPRI)

Constituents:

Citizens from the target municipalities; local communities; civil society organisations; journalists and media; investigative journalists; local and central institutions; municipal inspection services; decision-makers at local and national level.

About the project supported by Civica Mobilitas: Local Inspectors Under Scrutiny: Improving Legality and Accountability of Local Inspection

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED SPECIFIC TOPIC

The action is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability of local institutions through monitoring the work of inspection services and strengthening civic oversight of their operations. The project combines research, policy analysis, public debates, and advocacy activities with the aim of improving institutional control mechanisms and enhancing the enabling environment for active civic participation at the local level.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

Overall objective:
To improve legality, accountability, and integrity in the work of local inspection services as part of the rule of law system

Specific objectives:

To provide a systematised overview of the current situation, competences, and corruption risks in local inspection oversight
To increase accountability and integrity in the work of local inspectors through analysis of the principles of legality and accountability

RESULTS

Developed and published a comprehensive overview of the state of local inspection oversight in all municipalities, with classification by type of inspection services and number of inspectors in relation to the number of inhabitants and supervised entities, as well as gender representation in inspection services
Developed and published an analysis of the legal framework for local inspection oversight, with identified legal gaps, overlaps, and discretionary powers that create risks of corruption
Developed and published an analysis of the application of the principle of legality in local inspection oversight, based on a review of complaints in second-instance procedures and court judgments related to the work of local inspectors
Developed and published an analysis of the application of the principle of accountability, through a review of lines of accountability and types of responsibility of local inspectors (disciplinary, criminal, administrative), as well as analysis of cases in which disciplinary, criminal, or other types of responsibility are sought from local inspectors, including the gender dimension
Designed and implemented a social media campaign for promotion of the results
Organised one public event for presentation of the findings from the analyses and one training and at least one briefing with media engaged in investigative journalism

ACTIVITIES

Development of a methodology for collecting and systematising data on local inspection oversight
Submission of requests for access to public information to all municipalities
Conducting short structured interviews with local inspectors and municipal secretaries
Entry and processing of collected data into a unified database
Preparation of an analytical report and visualisations
Design, proofreading, and publication of the overview on a website and dissemination to relevant stakeholders
Review and mapping of all relevant laws and by-laws related to local inspection oversight
Identification of overlaps, gaps, and discretionary powers
Consultations with legal experts and representatives of relevant institutions
Preparation of findings and recommendations for improving the legal framework
Design, proofreading, and publication of the analysis on a website and dissemination to relevant stakeholders
Development of a methodology for selecting a sample of complaints and court decisions related to local inspection oversight
Analysis of cases by type of violation and outcome
Interviews with members of the State Commission for Decision-Making in Administrative Procedure, Employment Procedure and Inspection Oversight in Second Instance, with legal experts and representatives of relevant institutions
Preparation of a thematic analysis with findings and conclusions on systemic weaknesses
Design, proofreading, and publication of the analysis on a website and dissemination to relevant stakeholders
Development of a methodology for selection and analysis of disciplinary, criminal, and administrative cases against local inspectors
Submission of requests for access to public information to all municipalities
Interviews with representatives of municipal services, disciplinary commissions, and inspectorates
Identification of types and institutional mechanisms of accountability for local inspectors
Preparation of an analysis with recommendations for improving accountability
Design, proofreading, and publication of the analysis on a website and dissemination to relevant stakeholders
Preparation of a strategy and visual identity for the campaign
Development of 20 visual contents based on findings from the four analyses
Planning and implementation of a targeted campaign on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Monitoring of reach, interaction, and engagement metrics and preparation of a report analysing campaign effects
Preparation of agendas, invitations, and promotional materials
Involvement of representatives from the Inspection Council, SCPC, Ministry of Local Self-Government, Intersectoral Body for Fight Against Corruption, municipalities, and media
Presentation of results and moderated discussion with institutions and the public
Organisation of training on using data for investigative journalism purposes
Reflecting positions of civil society organisations and holding meetings with civil society organisations and institutions
Organisation of an event of the Network for Financial Sustainability of Civil Society Organisations
Development of arguments and joint advocacy
Advocacy through media and the public

WEBSITE

https://idscs.org.mk/mk/ – Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” – Skopje
https://ukim.edu.mk – Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
https://isppi.ukim.edu.mk/ – Institute for Sociological and Political-Legal Research – Skopje (ISSPRI)