“Over 40% of entrepreneurs intend to expand their activity, 51.5% consider it impossible to engage in business without bypassing law in Azerbaijan, over 30% do not consider themselves secured from lawlessness of officials. By results of the poll, almost 50% of entrepreneurs are visited by a representative of state bodies, especially the Ministry of Taxes, once a month”.
From a sociological poll in Baku and 11 regions of Azerbaijan. Today.az
2 responses so far ↓
1
Freya
// Sep 12, 2008 at 4:55 am
Makes one wonder why they bother with the laws in the first place. I guess because it helps line the pockets of those who allege to enforce the law.
2
Leigh Newton
// Sep 14, 2008 at 7:40 am
Historically, people were very poorly paid and relied on the extras that they could bring in. That’s changing slowly but most of the money is still in the hands of a select number of families, despite the national income having skyrocketed. Check out: graphs.gapminder.org/world
One example I’ve heard about is the police. They pay to get their jobs, and then extort bribes, which can’t be refused. A teacher who I was travelling in a car with last year, was caught speeding – he either paid the bribe in cash or have his car impounded at the next town. Not much of an alternative. No prizes for working out where the money goes… no receipts given.
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