The Evolution of Political Corruption in Post-Communist Societies and Its Impact on Governance Reforms

Political corruption in post-communist societies of Central and Eastern Europe has played a pivotal role in shaping institutional reforms from the transition period to the present day. This research examines the evolution of political corruption in transitional societies, focusing on changes in legislation, judicial structures, governance, and the effectiveness of various anti-corruption initiatives. At the onset of the transition period, unstable institutions faced challenges in building democratic standards in an environment where corrupt practices were often deeply embedded in the political system. Political corruption has evolved over the years, passing through various phases and adopting different forms, from early systemic corruption to more modern and sophisticated manifestations involving oligopolistic control and political cartel structures. By analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from countries such as Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Croatia, the research identifies trends in institutional reforms as responses to corruption, including legislative changes, the establishment of new anti-corruption bodies, and the introduction of e-governance. The hypothesis is that corruption hinders institutional reforms in societies lacking democratic stability, causing cyclical political crises and weakening public administration. Through this analysis, the research contributes to understanding the governance challenges in transitional societies, emphasizing the need to strengthen judicial independence and implement reforms targeting the root causes of corruption rather than its symptoms. These findings point to the necessity of developing sustainable anti-corruption strategies that include strengthening democratic institutions, transparency, and accountability to ensure the sustainability of governance reforms and reduce political corruption in the region. Key words: Political Corruption; Institutional Reforms; Post-Communist Societies; Governance; Anti-Corruption Strategies