The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates worsening corruption globally, with 47 out of 180 countries scoring their lowest since 2012. The report, released by Transparency International, reveals declines in major nations like the United States and France, and emphasizes stagnant global averages amidst rising authoritarianism in countries like Russia. Denmark remains the highest-ranked country, while South Sudan ranks the lowest.
Transparency International released a report on February 11, revealing alarming corruption levels across several countries, including notable democracies like the United States and France, as well as authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Venezuela. The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates that 47 out of 180 countries achieved their lowest scores since the methodology was updated in 2012, highlighting a significant decline in global anti-corruption efforts.
The index measures public sector corruption by utilizing 13 data sources, including insights from the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. Countries are scored on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), with the global average remaining stagnant at 43. Alarmingly, over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, signaling pervasive corruption worldwide.
Denmark continues to lead the rankings with a score of 90, followed closely by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84. New Zealand has dropped to fourth place with a score of 83. Conversely, South Sudan ranks at the bottom with a score of just 8, followed by Somalia (9), Venezuela (10), and Syria (12), underscoring the seriousness of corruption in these nations.
The United States experienced a decline from 69 to 65 points, falling from 24th to 28th place. Transparency International expressed concerns about the integrity of the judiciary, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, which lacks robust enforcement mechanisms for its code of ethics. France fell four points to 67, placing 25th, while Germany shares the 15th position with Canada at a score of 75.
Judicial inaction on significant corruption cases led to Mexico’s five-point drop to 26, despite the previous administration’s pledges. Slovakia, under Prime Minister Robert Fico’s leadership, also experienced a five-point decline to 49, as anti-corruption measures saw deterioration. Russia’s situation worsened, dropping to 22 points as authoritarianism increased post-invasion of Ukraine.
Despite a one-point decrease to 35, Ukraine is recognized for progress in judicial independence and commitment to tackling high-level corruption. The Middle East and North Africa continue to grapple with corruption, characterized by leaders suppressing dissent while pursuing personal profits. Notably, Sub-Saharan Africa reported the lowest regional average of 33, and the Asia-Pacific region showed minimal advancement in anti-corruption commitments.
The recent Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a troubling trend of increasing corruption levels globally, particularly in significant nations like the United States and France. The data indicates stagnation in anti-corruption progress, with numerous countries scoring distressingly low. Denmark remains the top performer, while South Sudan marks the lowest score, highlighting the urgent need for effective anti-corruption measures across all regions.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
