The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International reveals a concerning decline in corruption scores across major states, including the United States and France. Notably, 47 nations recorded their lowest scores since 2012. Corruption levels remain alarmingly high, with calls for renewed anti-corruption efforts as the global average stagnates at 43. Denmark leads the ranking, while South Sudan ranks lowest.
A recent report by Transparency International, published on February 11, unveils deteriorating corruption levels in various nations, including influential states like the United States and France, alongside authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Venezuela. The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates that 47 out of 180 nations have reached their lowest scores since the methodology was updated in 2012, highlighting an alarming global trend of increasing corruption.
The index measures public sector corruption through 13 diverse data sources, including contributions from the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. Scored from 0 for highly corrupt to 100 for very clean, the global average stagnates at 43, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Denmark leads the index with 90 points, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84), while New Zealand drops to fourth place with 83 points.
Among the countries ranked lowest, South Sudan claims the bottom spot with merely eight points, followed by Somalia (9), Venezuela (10), and Syria (12). The United States experienced a significant decline, falling from 69 to 65 points and dropping from 24th to 28th place. Concerns were raised regarding judicial integrity, especially regarding the ethics code of the U.S. Supreme Court, which currently lacks robust enforcement.
France’s score decreased by four points to 67, placing it 25th, whereas Germany’s score fell to 75, resulting in a tie for 15th place with Canada. Mexico experienced a five-point decline to 26 points, attributed to judicial inaction in major corruption cases despite previous commitments from former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Additionally, Slovakia saw a significant drop under Prime Minister Robert Fico’s leadership.
Russia’s corruption index plummeted further to 22 points as authoritarian measures increased post-invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine, despite a one-point reduction to 35, was acknowledged for strides made in judicial independence and efforts to combat high-level corruption. The Middle East and North Africa persist in grappling with corruption as leaders suppress dissent while accumulating wealth, and Sub-Saharan Africa continues to hold the lowest regional average at 33.
Overall, the Asia-Pacific region is noted for limited advancements in corruption alleviation commitments, indicating a widespread global crisis in governance and integrity. Transparency International urges stronger anti-corruption efforts to combat these unsettling trends
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a troubling global rise in corruption levels, particularly affecting major democratic nations and authoritarian states alike. With significant score declines noted in countries like the United States, France, and Mexico, the index emphasizes the crucial need for enhanced anti-corruption initiatives worldwide. Furthermore, regional concerning trends, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, underscore the urgency of addressing governance issues. The stagnation of the global average score reflects a troubling reality, warranting global attention and action to restore integrity in public sectors and uphold accountability within governments.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
