insiderblmA new global corruption index, released on Tuesday, indicates that numerous countries have recorded their worst corruption scores in over a decade. The report assesses public sector corruption across 180 nations, spanning democratic powers like the United States and France to authoritarian states such as Russia and Venezuela.
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index, compiled by Transparency International, revealed that 47 countries saw their lowest scores since the organization adopted its current ranking methodology in 2012. The 2024 report states that corruption remains alarmingly high worldwide, with efforts to combat it showing little progress.
Corruption’s Impact on Global Issues
The organization also raised concerns about corruption undermining global climate initiatives. It warned that weak transparency and accountability measures increase the risk of misappropriating climate funds. Additionally, it pointed to the undue influence of the private sector, which often obstructs policies aimed at addressing environmental challenges.
The index evaluates perceived corruption in the public sector using 13 different data sources, including reports from the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and private risk assessment firms. Countries are rated on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Key Rankings and Global Trends
The global average corruption score remained unchanged from 2023 at 43, with more than two-thirds of the surveyed nations scoring below 50.
Denmark maintained its top ranking with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84). New Zealand, which previously held third place, dropped to fourth after its score fell to 83.
At the bottom of the rankings, South Sudan recorded the lowest score of 8, pushing Somalia to second-worst with 9 points. Venezuela (10) and Syria (12) were also among the most corrupt countries.
Declining Scores in Key Countries
The United States experienced a significant drop, falling from 69 to 65 points and slipping from 24th to 28th place. Transparency International attributed this decline to concerns about judicial integrity, highlighting that while the U.S. Supreme Court introduced its first code of ethics in 2023, the lack of strong enforcement mechanisms raises concerns about its effectiveness.
Several other Western nations also saw declining scores:
- France dropped four points to 67, slipping five places to 25th.
- Germany fell three points to 75, moving down six spots to 15th.
- Canada also declined by one point, now tied with Germany.
- Mexico experienced one of the biggest drops, losing five points to 26, with the judiciary failing to prosecute major corruption cases.
According to the report, Mexico’s former president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who vowed to combat corruption and recover stolen assets, left office without securing any major convictions or asset recoveries.
Corruption Worsens in Europe and Russia
Slovakia’s corruption score dropped by five points to 49, with Transparency International citing Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government for weakening anti-corruption safeguards and bypassing public oversight.
Russia, already ranking poorly, fell by another four points to 22 in 2023. Transparency International stated that Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine has deepened authoritarian rule, further entrenching corruption. Ukraine, despite facing wartime challenges, is making progress in judicial independence and prosecuting high-level corruption cases, though its score dipped one point to 35.
Regional Challenges in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
The report described anti-corruption efforts in the Middle East and North Africa as stagnant, as political leaders consolidate power while restricting dissent. However, Transparency International noted that political shifts, such as the downfall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, could create new opportunities for reform.
Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest regional average, scoring 33, reflecting persistent governance and transparency issues.
In Asia and the Pacific, governments continue to fall short of their promises to fight corruption, Transparency International said, warning that without stronger enforcement, corruption will remain a serious obstacle to political and economic development.
