ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): The global fight against public-sector corruption weakened in 2025 as the worldwide average score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) fell to 42 out of 100, marking the first decline in more than a decade, according to the latest report released by Transparency International.
The CPI evaluates perceived levels of corruption across 182 countries and territories, using a scale from zero, which indicates highly corrupt, to 100, which reflects very clean governance. The report shows that 122 countries scored below 50, demonstrating that most governments continue to struggle to control corruption effectively.
The findings highlight a broad deterioration in governance standards at a time when many countries face economic pressures, geopolitical tensions and rising public demands for accountability.
Few countries at the top
Only a small number of nations maintained high integrity scores. Denmark topped the ranking with 89 points, followed by Finland with 88 and Singapore with 84. Other countries that scored strongly included New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.
In contrast, the lowest scores were recorded by conflict-affected and highly repressive states. Somalia and South Sudan each scored nine, placing them at the bottom of the index. Several other fragile states scored below 20.
Transparency International states that such low scores typically reflect weak institutions, limited oversight and systemic corruption across government systems.
Democracies show mixed performance
The report presents a clear gap between different political systems.
Full democracies recorded an average score of 71, while flawed democracies averaged 47. Non-democratic regimes performed worst, with an average of 32.
The CPI notes that countries with strong, independent institutions, free elections and open civic space generally manage corruption more effectively. However, the report also observes that several established democracies have recently recorded declining scores.
Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Sweden all experienced downward pressure on their ratings. Transparency International links these changes to weakened checks and balances, gaps in anti-corruption enforcement and increasing political polarization.
The findings indicate that even high-income and democratic states remain vulnerable if institutional safeguards weaken.
Civic space linked with lower corruption
The report identifies civic freedoms as a key factor in reducing corruption risks.
Countries that protect freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly tend to perform better. Open civic space allows journalists, civil society organizations and whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.
Transparency International notes that restrictions on non-governmental organizations, intimidation of watchdog groups and media censorship often coincide with higher corruption levels. Where independent scrutiny declines, corrupt practices become harder to detect.
The CPI also highlights risks faced by journalists. According to the report, more than 90% of journalists killed while investigating corruption since 2012 worked in countries scoring below 50, underscoring the dangers associated with exposing graft.
Services and inequality suffer
Transparency International states that corruption directly affects daily life by weakening public services.
Mismanagement or diversion of funds can reduce the quality of healthcare, education and infrastructure. Inflated contracts and poor oversight limit resources available for citizens.
The report further notes that corruption increases inequality. Unofficial payments, favoritism and abuse of authority often burden low-income groups more heavily, widening social gaps.
Weak financial management can also trigger fiscal stress. Hidden debt, illicit financial flows and misuse of public borrowing can reduce funds available for development and social protection.
Call for reforms
Transparency International urges governments to strengthen justice systems, improve oversight of public spending and protect civic space.
It also calls for greater transparency in political financing and stronger enforcement against large-scale corruption and cross-border money laundering.
The report states that sustained reforms, rather than short-term campaigns, offer the most effective path toward clean governance.
The CPI 2025 findings suggest that without stronger accountability and institutional integrity, corruption risks will continue to undermine public trust and economic stability worldwide.