Transparency International’s recent Corruption Perceptions Index shows that 47 countries recorded their worst scores in over a decade, reflecting a serious stagnation in global anti-corruption efforts. South Sudan has ranked lowest at eight points, and many nations, including the U.S., have seen declines in their scores. The index highlights the risks of corruption hindering efforts to manage climate change effectively.
A recent corruption index published by Transparency International indicates that many nations have recorded their worst scores in over a decade, highlighting ongoing issues of public sector corruption worldwide. From established democracies like the United States and France to authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Venezuela, 47 of the 180 surveyed countries exhibited their lowest scores since 2012. This report underscores the troubling stagnation in global efforts to combat corruption, deeming it an alarming situation.
The findings reveal a lack of transparency and accountability, particularly concerning climate change initiatives, where corruption poses significant risks to the management of climate funds. Transparency International emphasizes that unduly influential private sector entities obstruct critical policy advancements in this area. The index measures perceptions of public sector corruption using 13 data sources, assigning scores to countries on a scale from 0 to 100.
The overall global corruption average remained stagnant at 43, with two-thirds of nations scoring below 50. Denmark maintained its top position with a score of 90, followed by Finland and Singapore. South Sudan, however, fell to the lowest ranking with a score of just eight, overtaken by Somalia, Venezuela, and Syria with scores of nine, ten, and twelve, respectively.
The United States experienced a decline from 69 points to 65, shifting from 24th to 28th place. Transparency International noted concerns regarding the U.S. judicial system’s effectiveness, citing the Supreme Court’s adoption of a code of ethics as insufficient without robust enforcement mechanisms. Other Western nations such as France and Germany also faced declines in their scores.
Mexico’s corruption score dropped five points due to inadequate judicial responses to significant corruption cases during the previous administration. Slovakia similarly showed a decrease as reforms undermined anti-corruption measures. Russia’s corruption score diminished further as the impacts of its invasion of Ukraine continue to manifest, while Ukraine showed some positive movement despite a slight score reduction.
The report highlights a dire situation for anti-corruption efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, where leaders exert excessive control over political and economic processes, resulting in stagnant progress. However, emerging opportunities in some areas, such as Syria, offer a glimmer of hope for reform and improvement in governance. In Asia and the Pacific, the failure to implement anti-corruption promises signified persistent issues in governance and public trust.
In summary, the latest Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International reveals pervasive corruption across various nations, with alarming declines in scores over the past decade. Countries such as South Sudan, the United States, and several European nations highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability mechanisms to combat this trend. The report serves as a rallying call for increased efforts to address public sector corruption and its implications for both governance and global issues such as climate change.
Original Source: apnews.com
