Corruption Perceptions Index 2024: Global Trends and Troubling Scores
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International reveals numerous countries achieved their worst scores in over a decade, with 47 nations recording historic lows. South Sudan ranked last with just eight points, followed closely by Somalia, Venezuela, and Syria. The report emphasizes stagnant global corruption levels, which hinder efforts against climate change, necessitating improved transparency and accountability worldwide.
A recent report from Transparency International highlights a troubling trend in global public sector corruption, revealing that many countries achieved their poorest scores in over a decade. The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates that 47 out of 180 surveyed nations experienced record low scores, emphasizing the stagnation in anti-corruption efforts. The report asserts that global corruption levels remain high, with the situation posing risks to climate initiatives due to mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
The Corruption Perceptions Index gauges public sector corruption perception based on 13 distinct data sources, including reputable entities such as the World Bank. Countries are ranked on a scale from 0, indicating high corruption, to 100, indicating a very clean status. The global average score remained steady at 43, with a significant majority of countries scoring below 50, indicating widespread corruption.
Denmark retained its top ranking with 90 points, followed by Finland and Singapore. South Sudan notably fell to the lowest rank, scoring only eight points, overtaking Somalia, which has a score of nine. The decline of other nations was also observed, such as the United States, which dropped from 69 to 65 points, falling to 28th place amid criticisms surrounding its judicial system and lack of accountability in the Supreme Court.
Several other Western nations, including France and Germany, also reported declines. Slovakia’s score decreased after significant reforms under Prime Minister Robert Fico, which weakened anti-corruption measures. In contrast, while Russia’s situation continued to deteriorate, Ukraine showed signs of improvement despite a slight drop in score following its invasion by Moscow.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a concerning trend in worldwide corruption, with numerous nations recording their lowest scores in years. Transparency International’s findings indicate that anti-corruption efforts are faltering on a global scale. The report underlines the detrimental effects of corruption on international initiatives, notably climate change efforts, highlighting the need for enhanced transparency and accountability measures.
Original Source: apnews.com
