Transparency International’s latest index on public sector corruption reveals that 47 countries recorded their worst scores in over a decade. South Sudan ranks at the bottom with just eight points, displacing Somalia. The United States and several European countries fall in the rankings due to ongoing issues with governance and corruption, while the global average remains unchanged at 43 points.
A recent index released by Transparency International highlights a concerning trend in global public sector corruption, showing the worst scores for many nations in over ten years. It indicates that corruption levels continue to be alarmingly high, with 47 countries recording their lowest ratings since 2012. South Sudan has slid to the bottom of the index with only eight points, overtaking Somalia, which has a score of nine.
The organization evaluates public sector corruption based on 13 data sources, ranking 180 countries on a scale from 0 to 100. Denmark retains its top position with 90 points, followed by Finland and Singapore. The United States has dropped significantly in the rankings, now scoring 65 points and ranking 28th, with critics pointing to inadequacies within the judicial system.
In Europe, other nations have also experienced declines. France fell four points to 67, while Germany dropped three points to 75, indicating a troubling trend in Western nations’ anti-corruption efforts. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s score has diminished under new leadership, suggesting the erosion of anti-corruption measures.
In addition, Russia’s situation has worsened as it lost four points in its rating, highlighting the increasing authoritarianism following the invasion of Ukraine. Conversely, Ukraine exhibits progress in judicial independence and fighting high-level corruption despite a slight score decrease.
The Middle East and North Africa continue to grapple with dismal anti-corruption conditions as political leaders maintain tight control over resources, while Sub-Saharan Africa holds the lowest regional score at 33. Opportunities may arise for reform, particularly in Syria after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. In Asia and the Pacific, governments are failing to honor their anti-corruption commitments, necessitating significant improvements in governance.
In conclusion, the Transparency International index reveals a pervasive decline in global perceptions of public sector corruption, with alarming implications for governance and accountability. South Sudan ranks the lowest, while many Western and authoritarian nations also show troubling trends. This report emphasizes the urgent need for transparent practices and robust anti-corruption frameworks to combat these ongoing challenges.
Original Source: apnews.com
