Last year, the Czech Republic fell five places to 46th in the global Corruption Perception Index. According to the international organization Transparency International (TI), which compiles the ranking, the reasons for this decline include the lack of a government strategy to fight corruption and the moral principles of politicians.
Denmark once again took first place in the ranking of 180 countries, followed by Finland and Singapore, while the worst performers were South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela.
The Czech Republic scored 56 out of 100 points, which is one point lower than the previous year and six points below the EU average. One of the reasons for this decline, according to the Czech branch of TI, is the delay in necessary systemic reforms. “Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government cannot claim significant success in the anti-corruption agenda. The preparation and adoption of anti-corruption laws are often complicated or delayed by members of government parties themselves,” said Ondřej Kopečný, director of the TI program in the Czech Republic.
Russia ranked 154th with 22 points, dropping another 13 places. “To secure their power, autocratic regimes dismantle key control mechanisms, allowing corruption to grow uncontrollably,” TI notes in this regard.
Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for almost three years, scored 35 points and ranked 105th, dropping one position.
The United States, with 65 points, ranked 28th, dropping four places, while China, with 43 points, ranked 76th, the same as last year.
In addition to Denmark (90 points), Finland (88), and Singapore (84), the top 10 also includes New Zealand (83), Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland (all 81). Rounding out the top ten are Australia, Iceland, and Ireland (all 77).
Among neighboring countries to the Czech Republic, Germany ranks 15th, dropping six places. Austria ranks 25th, falling five places, while Poland ranks 53rd, which is six places lower than last year.
South Sudan (8 points), Somalia (9), Venezuela (10), and Syria (12) are at the bottom of the ranking.
