2021 CPI shows little change in worldwide corruption levels

Transparency International has published the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index, which shows a worldwide standstill on corruption levels. It is disappointed that the average score on the index is 43 (with 100 being the very cleanest), with two thirds of countries scoring below 50. 131 countries have made no significant process against their commitments, and 27 countries are at their lowest scores ever.

It particularly notes that:

• although Western Europe and the EU still top the CPI, the pandemic has threatened transparency and accountability, and led to poorer scores from some of the “best” performers;
• the Americas seem paralysed on progress despite extensive laws and commitments;
• Asia has been calling for anti-corruption measures for years and in parts of the Pacific government wrongdoing is concealed from citizens and it is dangerous to speak up;
• the Middle East is struggling to get tangible results;
• in Eastern Europe and Central Asia many leaders have used the pandemic as a smokescreen to introduce restrictions on rights and accountability;
• the sub-Saharan African figures show devastating results from “a decade of stagnation”

In terms of the tables, Denmark and New Zealand have been joined at the top of the table by Finland. The UK, with an improved score of 78, is 11th.