2024 Corruption Perceptions Index Highlights Global Decline in Integrity
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International reveals worsening corruption levels globally, with 47 countries recording their lowest scores since 2012. The U.S. and France saw notable declines in their rankings due to integrity issues. Denmark leads with the highest score, while South Sudan ranks lowest, highlighting an urgent need for improved anti-corruption efforts worldwide.
On February 11, Transparency International released its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting deteriorating corruption levels across many nations, including influential democracies such as the United States and France, as well as authoritarian regimes like Russia and Venezuela. The report indicated that 47 of the 180 countries assessed recorded their lowest scores since the methodology was updated in 2012, reflecting the global decline in anti-corruption initiatives.
The index assesses public sector corruption using 13 data sources, including data from the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. The scoring system ranges from 0, indicating high levels of corruption, to 100, signifying very low corruption. The global average score remained stagnant at 43, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, emphasizing the widespread issue of corruption.
Denmark continues to lead with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84). New Zealand, previously in fourth place, fell to 83 points. At the lowest end of the index, South Sudan ranked last with eight points, followed by Somalia (9), Venezuela (10), and Syria (12).
The United States experienced a decline in its score from 69 to 65 points, resulting in a drop from 24th to 28th place. Transparency International raised concerns regarding the integrity of the U.S. judiciary, particularly criticizing the ethics code of the Supreme Court, which lacks robust enforcement. France also recorded a decrease of four points to 67, ranking 25th.
In Europe, Germany’s score dropped to 75 points, placing it 15th, sharing this rank with Canada. Mexico experienced a five-point reduction to a score of 26, attributed to judicial inaction on significant corruption cases. Slovakia, under Prime Minister Robert Fico, witnessed a decline of five points to a score of 49 due to weakened anti-corruption measures.
Russia’s score fell to 22 points as it faces increasing authoritarianism following its invasion of Ukraine. Conversely, Ukraine, despite a loss of one point to 35, received acknowledgment for advancements in judicial independence and efforts to tackle high-level corruption. The Middle East and North Africa regions remain heavily affected by corruption, with many leaders stifling dissent while accumulating wealth.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the lowest regional average at 33 points, while the Asia-Pacific region demonstrated minimal progress regarding commitments to combat corruption, indicating a pressing need for more effective anti-corruption measures worldwide.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a concerning increase in corruption levels globally, with major states experiencing significant declines. The stagnant global average and troubling scores among numerous nations underscore the need for renewed anti-corruption efforts. The report highlights the persistent integrity issues within both public and judicial systems, calling for immediate attention and reform to combat corruption effectively.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
