CORRUPTION

PERCEPTIONS
INDEX
2020
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CORRUPTION
PERCEPTIONS
INDEX 2020

2-3 12-13 20-21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map and results Americas Sub-Saharan Africa

Peru Malawi

4-5 Honduras Zambia

Executive summary
Recommendations 14-15 22-23
Asia Pacific Western Europe and

6-7 Vanuatu European Union

Myanmar Malta
Global highlights
Poland

8-10 16-17
Eastern Europe & 24
COVID-19 and
Central Asia Methodology
corruption
Serbia
Health expenditure
Democratic backsliding
Belarus
25
Endnotes

11 18-19
Middle East & North
Regional highlights
Africa
Lebanon
Morocco
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

180 COUNTRIES.
180 SCORES.
HOW DOES
YOUR COUNTRY
MEASURE UP?
The perceived levels of public sector corruption
in 180 countries/territories around the world.

SCORE
Highly Very
Corrupt Clean

0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-100 No data

SCORE COUNTRY/TERRITORY RANK

69 France 23 56 Georgia 45 45 Senegal 67
88 Denmark 1 68 Bhutan 24 56 Poland 45 44 Bulgaria 69
88 New Zealand 1 67 Chile 25 56 Saint Lucia 45 44 Hungary 69
85 Finland 3 67 United States 25 55 Dominica 48 44 Jamaica 69
85 Singapore 3 66 Seychelles 27 54 Czechia 49 44 Romania 69
85 Sweden 3 65 Taiwan 28 54 Oman 49 44 South Africa 69
85 Switzerland 3 64 Barbados 29 54 Rwanda 49 44 Tunisia 69
84 Norway 7 63 Bahamas 30 53 Grenada 52 43 Ghana 75
82 Netherlands 8 63 Qatar 30 53 Italy 52 43 Maldives 75
80 Germany 9 62 Spain 32 53 Malta 52 43 Vanuatu 75
80 Luxembourg 9 61 Korea, South 33 53 Mauritius 52 42 Argentina 78
77 Australia 11 61 Portugal 33 53 Saudi Arabia 52 42 Bahrain 78
77 Canada 11 60 Botswana 35 51 Malaysia 57 42 China 78
77 Hong Kong 11 60 Brunei 35 51 Namibia 57 42 Kuwait 78
77 United Kingdom 11 Darussalam 50 Greece 59 42 Solomon Islands 78
76 Austria 15 60 Israel 35 49 Armenia 60 41 Benin 83
76 Belgium 15 60 Lithuania 35 49 Jordan 60 41 Guyana 83
75 Estonia 17 60 Slovenia 35 49 Slovakia 60 41 Lesotho 83
75 Iceland 17 59 Saint Vincent and 40 47 Belarus 63 40 Burkina Faso 86
the Grenadines
74 Japan 19 47 Croatia 63 40 India 86
58 Cabo Verde 41
72 Ireland 20 47 Cuba 63 40 Morocco 86
57 Costa Rica 42
71 United Arab 21 47 Sao Tome 63 40 Timor-Leste 86
Emirates 57 Cyprus 42 and Principe 40 Trinidad and 86
71 Uruguay 21 57 Latvia 42 45 Montenegro 67 Tobago

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

40 Turkey 86 35 Panama 111 28 Dominican 137 22 Nicaragua 159

39 Colombia 92 34 Moldova 115 Republic 21 Cambodia 160
39 Ecuador 92 34 Philippines 115 28 Guinea 137 21 Chad 160
38 Brazil 94 33 Egypt 117 28 Liberia 137 21 Comoros 160
38 Ethiopia 94 33 Eswatini 117 28 Myanmar 137 21 Eritrea 160
38 Kazakhstan 94 33 Nepal 117 28 Paraguay 137 21 Iraq 160
38 Peru 94 33 Sierra Leone 117 27 Angola 142 19 Afghanistan 165
38 Serbia 94 33 Ukraine 117 27 Djibouti 142 19 Burundi 165
38 Sri Lanka 94 33 Zambia 117 27 Papua New 142 19 Congo 165
Guinea
38 Suriname 94 32 Niger 123 19 Guinea Bissau 165
27 Uganda 142
38 Tanzania 94 31 Bolivia 124 19 Turkmenistan 165
26 Bangladesh 146
37 Gambia 102 31 Kenya 124 18 Democratic 170
26 Central African 146 Republic of
37 Indonesia 102 31 Kyrgyzstan 124 Republic the Congo
36 Albania 104 31 Mexico 124 26 Uzbekistan 146 18 Haiti 170
36 Algeria 104 31 Pakistan 124 25 Cameroon 149 18 Korea, North 170
36 Cote d'Ivoire 104 30 Azerbaijan 129 25 Guatemala 149 17 Libya 173
36 El Salvador 104 30 Gabon 129 25 Iran 149 16 Equatorial Guinea 174
36 Kosovo 104 30 Malawi 129 25 Lebanon 149 16 Sudan 174
36 Thailand 104 30 Mali 129 25 Madagascar 149 15 Venezuela 176
36 Vietnam 104 30 Russia 129 25 Mozambique 149 15 Yemen 176
35 Bosnia and 111 29 Laos 134 25 Nigeria 149
Herzegovina 14 Syria 178
29 Mauritania 134 25 Tajikistan 149
35 Mongolia 111 12 Somalia 179
29 Togo 134 24 Honduras 157
35 North Macedonia 111 12 South Sudan 179
24 Zimbabwe 157

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
This year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) paints a grim
picture of the state of corruption worldwide. While most countries
have made little to no progress in tackling corruption in nearly a
decade, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50.
Our analysis shows corruption not only undermines the global
health response to COVID-19, but contributes to a continuing
crisis of democracy.

2020 proved to be one of the infected, and nearly 2 million insidious effects of corruption
worst years in recent history, people lost their lives around the undermining a fair and equitable
with the outbreak of the global world.1 global response.
COVID-19 pandemic and its
devastating effects. The health As the past tumultuous year has Reports of corruption during
and economic impact on shown, COVID-19 is not just a COVID-192 have reverberated
individuals and communities health and economic crisis, but across the globe.
worldwide has been catastrophic. a corruption crisis as well, with
More than 90 million people were countless lives lost due to the

180
THE CPI USES A
100

COUNTRIES SCALE FROM 0

0

SCORED TO 100

The CPI scores 180 countries and territories by 100 is very clean and 0 is highly corrupt
their perceived levels of public sector corruption,
according to experts and businesspeople.

2/3 OF COUNTRIES SCORE BELOW THE AVERAGE SCORE IS

50 /100 43 /100
4
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

From bribery and embezzlement show most people are hopeful of those most vulnerable. As the
to overpricing and favourtism, that they can make a difference global community transitions
corruption in health care takes in the face of corruption,5 from crisis to recovery, anti-
many forms.3 We risk losing even these protests made headlines corruption efforts must keep
more, however, if we don’t learn and highlighted the power of pace to ensure a fair and
from previous lessons in times collective action in speaking out. just revival.6
of crisis.4
The emergency response
Over the last year, despite to the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19, people around the revealed enormous cracks in
world gathered in force to health systems and democratic
join massive protests against institutions, underscoring that
corruption and for social justice those in power or who hold
and political change. Consistent government purse strings often
with public opinion surveys that serve their own interests instead

Recommendations

To fight COVID-19 and curb corruption, it is essential for countries to:

1. STRENGTHEN OVERSIGHT 2. ENSURE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT

INSTITUTIONS CONTRACTING
The COVID-19 response exposed vulnerabilities of Many governments have drastically relaxed
weak oversight and inadequate transparency. To procurement processes. These rushed and opaque
ensure resources reach those most in need and are procedures provide ample opportunity for corruption
not subject to theft by the corrupt, anti-corruption and the diversion of public resources. Contracting
authorities and oversight institutions must have processes must remain open and transparent to
sufficient funds, resources, and independence to combat wrongdoing, identify conflicts of interest and
perform their duties. ensure fair pricing.

3. DEFEND DEMOCRACY, PROMOTE 4. PUBLISH RELEVANT DATA,

CIVIC SPACE GUARANTEE ACCESS
The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated democratic decline, The publication of disaggregated data on spending
with some governments exploiting the pandemic to and distribution of resources is particularly relevant
suspend parliaments, renounce public accountability in emergency situations, to ensure fair and equitable
mechanisms, and incite violence against dissidents. policy responses. Governments should also ensure
To defend civic space, civil society groups and the people receive easy, accessible, timely and meaningful
media must have the enabling conditions to hold information by guaranteeing their right to access
governments accountable. information.

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS
This year’s CPI shows corruption is more pervasive in countries
least equipped to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and other
global crises.

The index, which ranks 180 Like previous years, more than In addition to earning poor
countries and territories by their two-thirds of countries score scores, nearly half of all countries
perceived levels of public sector below 50 on this year’s CPI, with have been stagnant on the CPI for
corruption according to experts an average score of just 43. The almost a decade. These countries
and businesspeople, uses a scale data shows that despite some have failed to move the needle
of zero to 100, where zero is progress, most countries still fail in any significant way to improve
highly corrupt and 100 is to tackle corruption effectively. their score and combat public
very clean. sector corruption.

HIGHEST SCORING REGION LOWEST SCORING REGION

WESTERN EUROPE & SUB-SAHARAN

EUROPEAN UNION AFRICA

66 /100 32 /100
AVERAGE REGIONAL SCORE AVERAGE REGIONAL SCORE

SINCE 2018 SINCE 2018

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

0 100

01 DENMARK 88/100
02 NEW ZEALAND 88/100
COUNTRIES

03 FINLAND 85/100
04 SINGAPORE 85/100
TOP

05 SWEDEN 85/100
06 SWITZERLAND 85/100

176 VENEZUELA 15/100

177 YEMEN 15/100
COUNTRIES

178 SYRIA 14/100

BOTTOM

179 SOMALIA 12/100

180 SOUTH SUDAN 12/100

0 100
GLOBAL AVERAGE

26
The top countries on the CPI Since 2012:
are Denmark and New Zealand,
with scores of 88, followed by COUNTRIES IMPROVED*
Finland, Singapore, Sweden and
Including:
Switzerland, with scores of
85 each. Greece (+14)
Myanmar (+13)
The bottom countries are South Ecuador (+7)
Sudan and Somalia, with scores
of 12 each, followed by Syria (14),

22
Yemen (15) and Venezuela (15).

Since 2012, 26 countries COUNTRIES DECLINED*

improved their CPI scores, Including:
including Greece, Myanmar and
Ecuador. In the same period, 22 Lebanon (-5)
countries decreased their scores, Malawi (-7)
including Lebanon, Malawi and Bosnia & Herzegovina (-7)
Bosnia & Herzegovina*.

*In these six examples, we report THE REMAINING COUNTRIES MADE

the year between 2012 and 2020
from which the score change is
LITTLE OR NO PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT
statistically significant. AGAINST CORRUPTION IN RECENT YEARS

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

COVID-19 AND
CORRUPTION
Corruption undermines an equitable response to COVID-19 and
other crises, highlighting the importance of transparency and
anti-corruption measures in emergency situations.

While existing research7 shows Corruption is prevalent across the Transparency is nevertheless key
that corruption negatively COVID-19 response, from bribery to ensure public resources are
affects people’s access to high for COVID-19 tests, treatment spent appropriately and reach
quality health care, our analysis and other health services, to their intended recipients. For this
also indicates that even when public procurement of medical reason, robust and transparent
accounting for economic supplies and overall emergency procedures for budget
development, higher levels of preparedness. allocations, public contracts, and
corruption are associated with audits must be in place before a
lower universal health care Our analysis shows that crisis hits.
coverage and higher rates of corruption diverts funds from
infant and maternal mortality and much needed investment in Finally, our research shows
deaths from cancer, diabetes, health care, leaving communities that corruption continues to
respiratory and cardiovascular without doctors, equipment, undermine democracy,8 even
diseases. medicines and, in some cases, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
clinics and hospitals. In addition, Countries with higher levels of
Corruption is one of the key a lack of transparency in public corruption tend to be the worst
barriers to achieving the spending heightens the risk of perpetrators of democratic
United Nations’ Sustainable corruption and ineffective crisis and rule-of-law breaches while
Development Goals (SDGs), response. managing the COVID-19 crisis.
and the COVID-19 pandemic is
making those goals even more Budget transparency, particularly
difficult to attain. The long-term during an emergency response
effects of corruption on health like COVID-19 when speed and
care systems remind us that efficiency matter, can be difficult
corruption often intensifies the to enforce during a crisis.
effects of a crisis.

COVID-19 is not just a health and economic

crisis. It’s a corruption crisis. And one that
we’re currently failing to manage.

Delia Ferreira Rubio

Chair, Transparency International

Photo: World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

HEALTH EXPENDITURE
Corruption shifts public spending away from essential public services. Countries with higher levels of corruption,
regardless of economic development, tend to spend less on health.

CORRUPTION AND HEALTH SPENDING

Lower investment in public health is associated with higher levels of corruption. Each dot represents a country’s average CPI score
(2012-2017) compared to average health expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2012-2017).13

11

10
AVERAGE GOVERNMENT HEALTH SPENDING AS % OF GDP (2012-2017)

6 6.2
5

3.5
3

2
1.8
1

66-100 34-65 0-33

AVERAGE CPI 2012-2017

Romania 44 Uruguay 71 Bangladesh 26

With a score of 44, Romania With a score of 71, Uruguay is a With a score of 26, Bangladesh
consistently rates as one of the top performer on the CPI in Latin is one of the worst performers
most corrupt European Union America. Government spending on the CPI in Asia Pacific. The
(EU) countries on the CPI. The on health care is among the government invests little in health
country’s expenditures on health highest in the region. The country care11 while corruption flourishes.
care are also below the EU has a robust epidemiological Corruption during COVID-19
average. In addition to under- surveillance system,10 which has ranges from bribery in health
funding, Romania has shortages aided its response to COVID-19 clinics to misappropriated aid.12 In
of medical personnel.9 and other infectious diseases, like addition, corruption is pervasive
yellow fever and Zika. in the procurement of medical
supplies and contracts between
powerful businesspeople and
government officials.

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 TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDING
Corruption continues to contribute to democratic backsliding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries with higher
levels of corruption rely on less democratic responses to the crisis.

CORRUPTION AND COVID-19 DEMOCRATIC VIOLATIONS

Democratic violations in response to COVID-19 are more common in countries with higher levels of corruption. Each dot
represents a country’s CPI 2020 score, and the circles represent the average CPI score for that category of democratic violation.14

100

80

74

60
CPI 2020

46
40
36
33

20

0
NO VIOLATIONS MINOR VIOLATIONS SOME VIOLATIONS MAJOR VIOLATIONS

PANDEMIC VIOLATIONS OF DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS INDEX (PanDem)

United States 67 Philippines 34 New Zealand 88

With a score of 67, the United With a score of 34, efforts With a score of 88, New Zealand
States reaches its lowest position to control corruption in the scores top marks on the CPI. The
on the CPI since 2012. The Philippines appear mostly country’s response to COVID-19
Administration’s challenges to stagnant since 2012. The was lauded for its effectiveness
oversight15 of the unprecedented government’s response to although there are doubts about
US$1 trillion COVID-19 relief COVID-19 has been characterised transparency standards.18 While
package raised serious anti- by abusive enforcement16, and the government communicates
corruption concerns and major violations of human rights openly about the measures and
marked a significant retreat and media freedom.17 policies it puts in place, more
from longstanding democratic transparency is needed around
norms promoting accountable public procurement for COVID-19
government. recovery.

10
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

REGIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS
While corruption differs in scale and scope across regions, it
proved to be a universal obstacle to effectively combatting
COVID-19.

At the top of the CPI, the but left citizens without access to At the bottom of the CPI, Sub-
pandemic tested Western Europe emergency aid. Saharan Africa responded to
and the EU, with many countries COVID-19 with protests against
lacking full transparency and In the Middle East and North rising costs of living, corruption
accountability. Africa, countries weakened anti- and the misuse of emergency
corruption measures, while parts funds.
In Asia Pacific and the Americas, of Eastern Europe and Central
some governments used Asia reduced oversight and
COVID-19 to consolidate power, curtailed civil liberties.

RESULTS BY REGION

Average regional scores, with top and bottom performers in each region.

66 36
WESTERN EUROPE EASTERN EUROPE
& EU & CENTRAL ASIA
Average score Average score

Top: Denmark (88/100) Top: Georgia (56/100)

Bottom: Bulgaria, Hungary, Bottom: Turkmenistan (19/100)

43
Romania (44/100)

39
AMERICAS MIDDLE EAST
Average score
& NORTH AFRICA
Top: Canada (77/100) Average score
Bottom: Venezuela (15/100)
Top: United Arab Emirates (71/100)

45
Bottom: Syria (14/100)

32 ASIA PACIFIC
Average score

SUB-SAHARAN Top: New Zealand (88/100)

AFRICA Bottom: North Korea (18/100)
Average score

Top: Seychelles (66/100)

Bottom: Somalia, South Sudan (12/100)

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

AMERICAS
With an average score of 43 for the fifth consecutive year, the
Americas showcases corruption and the mismanagement of
funds in one of the regions most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

32
TOP SCORERS

CANADA
77/100
URUGUAY
71/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED UNITED STATES
67/100

43
BOTTOM SCORERS

NICARAGUA
22/100
/100
HAITI
18/100
AVERAGE REGIONAL VENEZUELA
SCORE 15/100

Canada and Uruguay are in the form of various states region is ensuring that funds and
consistently top performers, of emergency20 that restricted programmes for COVID-19 relief
with scores of 77 and 71 civil rights. These restrictions are not lost to corruption and
respectively, while Nicaragua, curtailed freedoms of speech and reach the intended recipients.
Haiti and Venezuela are the worst assembly, weakened institutional Failure to deliver this aid risks
performers, with scores of 22, 18 checks and balances, and increased social discontent,
and 15 respectively. reduced space for civil society.21 stokes harmful populism, and
creates still greater poverty25 and
In a region already characterised An alarming concentration of inequality.
by weak government institutions, power in the executive branches
COVID-19 has highlighted deep in countries like Colombia22 Governments must also
social and economic inequalities, (39) and El Salvador23 (36) has guarantee that the development,
with its disproportionate effects contributed to an explosion in purchase and distribution
on vulnerable populations, irregularities and corruption of COVID-19 treatments and
including women, girls,19 cases24 associated with COVID-19 vaccines are transparent and
indigenous groups, the elderly, related procurement. Across equitable. It is crucial that
migrants and Afro-Americans. the region, citizens struggle to governments permit civil society
Similar to other regions around access reliable and up-to-date organisations and the press to
the world, governments in the information on health statistics function as watchdogs, holding
Americas took extraordinary and emergency procurement. politicians and businesses to
measures to fight COVID-19 A major challenge facing the account.

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Peru found guilty of corruption from with corruption, COVID-19 and

applying to public positions or the resulting economic crisis28
With a score of 38, Peru improves being designated to positions remains high. Investigations
two points, but remains relatively of trust.26 The second improves of high-level political leaders
stagnant on the index since 2012. transparency, accountability and and prominent businesspeople
Investigations of corruption cases integrity in political financing.27 should be brought to trial
and the recent approval of crucial and sentences confirmed as
anti-corruption laws offer some The presidential elections appropriate, to maintain
improvements. scheduled for April 2021 present public trust.
an opportunity to end impunity
Specifically, two laws provide and hold power to account in
hope. One prevents people Peru, where social discontent

Peru faces structural corruption,29 impunity and political

instability.30 In less than five years, the country has
rejected four presidents, three of whom are under
investigation for corruption.

Photo: © Musuk Nolte

Honduras Weak institutions contribute to and Impunity in Honduras,

a lack of disaster preparedness31 run by the Organization of
With a score of 24, Honduras and a uniform economy American States.34 Congress also
declines by two points to reach creates an overdependence on approved a series of laws35 that
a new low on the CPI. In the last agriculture and natural resources promote corruption and hinder
year, Honduras was devastated for income.32 investigations.36
by both COVID-19 and the 2020
hurricane season, and continues The status of anti-corruption Reports reveal an alarming
to suffer from high levels of efforts is similarly grim. lack of planning in the
poverty and inequality. The country lost millions to country’s COVID-19 related
corruption in the last decade33 purchases,37 over-pricing of
and experienced significant medical equipment and opaque
setbacks in the fight against contractual arrangements38 in the
impunity with the termination procurement process for field
of the Mission to Support hospitals.
the Fight against Corruption

In Honduras, transparency is paramount for a successful

recovery from COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Photo: Peg Hunter / CC BY-NC 2.0

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

ASIA PACIFIC
With an average score of 45, the Asia Pacific region struggles to
combat corruption and tackle the profound health and economic
impact of COVID-19.

31
TOP SCORERS

NEW ZEALAND
88/100
SINGAPORE
85/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED AUSTRALIA
77/100

45
BOTTOM SCORERS

CAMBODIA
21/100
/100
AFGHANISTAN
19/100
AVERAGE REGIONAL NORTH KOREA
SCORE 18/100

With a score of 88, New Zealand in the COVID-19 response. materialising effectively.
is consistently one of the top
performers on the CPI, both In Papua New Guinea, civil society The Maldives (43), which climbed
in the region and around the demanded an audit of emergency 14 points on the index since
world. The country is followed funds and procurement40 to last year shows a positive trend
by Singapore (85), Australia (77) ensure an inclusive process. on the CPI and experienced
and Hong Kong (77). Conversely, In the Solomon Islands, little advances in democratic space
Cambodia (21), Afghanistan (19) progress has been made since and the removal of several
and North Korea (18) earn the the passing of the 2018 anti- repressive laws.
lowest scores in the region. corruption law and, in 2020, key
government actors were accused With a score of 19, Afghanistan is
In some Pacific countries, of diverting funds41 intended to a significant improver on the CPI,
COVID-19 and cyclone Harold help people struggling during the increasing 11 points since 2012.
exposed several cracks in already pandemic. The country instituted significant
weak governance systems. legal and institutional reforms
In Asia, key economies such as and recently announced plans to
Civil society actors and allies India (40), Indonesia (37) and establish a new anti-corruption
across Vanuatu (43), Papua New Bangladesh (26) experienced commission.
Guinea (27) and the Solomon slow progress in anti-corruption
Islands (42) called for greater efforts, with several government
transparency and accountability39 commitments to reform not yet

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Vanuatu volatile, with frequent motions of citizens in public service delivery44

no confidence filed against the with the aim of improving
With a score of 43, Vanuatu government.42 The former Prime efficiency and effectiveness.
remains stagnant on the CPI. Minister Charlot Salwai was the However, implementation of
Highly vulnerable to the impact first to complete a full four-year the necessary legal, policy, and
of natural disasters, it was hit the term in office in more than a anti-corruption frameworks
hardest by Cyclone Harold at the decade. Political instability43 has remains a challenge. For
peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. contributed to an environment example, difficulties with the
rife with bribery, nepotism, and implementation of a right to
Since its independence in 1980, misappropriation of funds. information law45 highlights
Vanuatu has been politically concerns over timely fulfilment of
In a positive development, the information requests.
country is taking steps to engage

In Vanuatu, strong political will is one of the most important

factors in addressing corruption and improving transparency
and accountability.

Photo: ITU/R.Farrell / CC BY 2.0

Myanmar and an increased political will to However, despite these

combat graft. improvements, there are legal
With a score of 28, Myanmar is a and structural gaps that hinder
significant improver on the CPI, A recent report, Global Corruption anti-corruption efforts.
increasing 13 points since 2012. Barometer - Asia47, found that In addition, the military continues
an overwhelming number of to act with impunity48 and
Investigations of high-level Myanmar citizens think their the government does little to
officials and the implementation government is doing a good protect human rights,49 including
of legal and institutional reforms46 job in tackling corruption, and freedoms of expression and
point to some progress in the that ordinary people can make assembly.
country’s anti-corruption efforts a difference in the fight against
corruption.

The protection of human rights in Myanmar,

including freedoms of speech, assembly and
association, is a critical foundation for good
governance and integrity.

Photo: Chaton Chokpatara / Shutterstock.com

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

EASTERN EUROPE &

CENTRAL ASIA
With an average score of 36, Eastern Europe and Central Asia is
the second-lowest performing region on the CPI and vulnerable to
corruption compounded by COVID-19.

19
TOP SCORERS

GEORGIA
56/100
ARMENIA
49/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED BELARUS
47/100

36
BOTTOM SCORERS

UZBEKISTAN
26/100
/100
TAJIKISTAN
25/100
AVERAGE REGIONAL TURKMENISTAN
SCORE 19/100

Georgia (56), Armenia (49) and COVID-19 provided corrupt With a score of 31, Kyrgyzstan is
Belarus (47) lead the region, while and authoritarian leaders with a significant improver, jumping
Uzbekistan (26), Tajikistan (25) an excuse to reduce oversight seven points since 2012.
and Turkmenistan (19) bring up of government spending and However, widespread corruption
the rear. curtail civil liberties. These efforts and a lack of transparency and
decreased transparency of accountability have undermined
Across the region, COVID-19 foreign aid spending,52 making it an adequate response to
exposed ongoing governance and difficult to track funds and ensure COVID-19. With a score of 35,
structural problems, highlighted appropriate distribution to the Bosnia and Herzegovina is a
widespread corruption, and intended recipients.53 Research significant decliner, dropping
exacerbated social discontent. shows corruption undermines seven points since 2012. During
Some political leaders used the democratic rights and the pandemic, the country
crisis to increase their power, institutions,54 such as freedom of experienced numerous violations
add restrictions to already limited speech, access to information and of human and labour rights,
access to information,50 eliminate an independent judiciary, and as well as discrimination in
transparency requirements from limits citizens’ ability to hold their economic aid distribution and
public procurement rules51 and governments accountable.55 alleged unlawful procurement of
renounce public accountability medical equipment.56
mechanisms.

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 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Serbia In response to COVID-19, Serbia against health care workers61

took several controversial who criticised its response to the
With this year’s one-point drop, steps, including suspending public health crisis.
Serbia (38) earns its lowest Parliament,57 implementing
score on the CPI since 2012. The extensive curfews, and inciting After years of neglect, the
country’s biggest corruption violence against protesters.58 country’s health system was
challenges include serious rule-of- tested by COVID-19, with dire
law issues, continued democratic In addition, the police arrested consequences. Corruption
erosion and efforts to silence and detained an investigative remains an obstacle to medical
critical voices. journalist,59 while the government specialisation and career
restricted access to information60 advancement.
on the procurement of medical
equipment, and retaliated

In Serbia, corruption contributes to

challenges with the rule of law, an erosion
of democratic norms and the silencing of
critical voices.

Photo: AleksandarS / Shutterstock.com

Belarus Grand corruption63 remains a as the Group of States against

problem in Belarus, where it is Corruption (GRECO), publicly
With a score of 47, Belarus is concentrated within the highest declared65 Belarus as “non-
a significant improver on the levels of government.64 For compliant” for failing to address
CPI, jumping 16 points since years, the president’s office has the vast majority of necessary
2012. However, in 2020, weekly exercised authoritative power anti-corruption reforms and
citizen protests began against with little to no legislative or recommendations.
the contested presidential judicial checks and balances while
election results, with national and the economy has mostly been
international onlookers sounding controlled by the state.
alarms62 about police violence
and ill-treatment of citizens at the In 2019, the Council of Europe’s
hands of police. anti-corruption body, known

In 2020, mass protests and police brutality

rocked Belarus, which continues to struggle with
grand corruption and state capture.

Photo: Ruslan Kalnitsky / Shutterstock.com

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TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

MIDDLE EAST &

NORTH AFRICA
With an average score of 39 for the third consecutive year, the
Middle East and North Africa region is still perceived as highly
corrupt, with little progress made towards controlling corruption.

18
TOP SCORERS

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

71/100
QATAR
63/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED

39
BOTTOM SCORERS

LIBYA
17/100

/100 YEMEN
15/100
SYRIA
AVERAGE REGIONAL 14/100
SCORE

The United Arab Emirates and ill. Trust in the public sector also Political corruption also remains
Qatar are the top regional plummeted when it became clear a challenge across the region. In
performers on the CPI, with that there were no good crisis Iraq (21), corruption enshrined in
scores of 71 and 63 respectively, management protocols in place,67 the system70 deprives people of
while Libya (17), Yemen (15) and and that public administrations their basic rights, including access
Syria (14) are among the worst were too depleted68 to re- to safe drinking water, health
performers. organise quickly and efficiently. care, uninterrupted electricity,
employment opportunities and
Across the region, years of Despite small gains by civil an adequate infrastructure.
corruption left countries woefully society in the last decade
unprepared to face the COVID-19 towards building stronger, Moving forward, some of
pandemic. Hospitals and health more sustainable laws to the biggest challenges in the
centres lacked the resources combat corruption and promote region, particularly during the
and organisation necessary to transparency, the COVID-19 COVID-19 recovery, are issues
respond effectively to the first crisis and resulting emergency of transparency and equitable
wave of cases.66 Public hospitals measures essentially cancelled access to COVID-19 treatments
were undersupplied and these efforts,69 setting the region and vaccines71.
understaffed, with many health back by years.
care providers becoming gravely

18
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Lebanon corruption investigations have adoption of a law to create

started, nor have any public a National Anti-Corruption
With a score of 25, Lebanon officials been put on trial. In Commission, this specialised
significantly declined on the CPI, addition, the investigations of the body has yet to be established.75
dropping five points since 2012. August 2020 Beirut Port explosion
COVID-19 nearly paralysed the are ongoing. While some senior However, there are causes for
government. officials have been charged hope, including parliament’s
in connection to the blast, recent adoption76 of a law to help
Despite massive protests accountability remains limited.73 address issues of dirty money;
against corruption and poverty72 a long-awaited bill to improve
in October 2019, no major The courts still lack access to information,77 and the
independence,74 notwithstanding recent adoption of the National
new laws from Parliament to Anti-Corruption Strategy.78
strengthen the judiciary and These developments present
address issues of asset recovery. opportunities to promote anti-
Additionally, despite the recent corruption.

In Lebanon, the COVID-19 pandemic and Beirut

blast present major challenges to the country’s
anti-corruption efforts.

Photo: Hiba Al Kallas / Shutterstock.com

Morocco While the government took risks for mismanaged funds and
exceptional measures in corruption.
With a score of 40, Morocco drops response to the health
three points on the CPI since emergency, particularly around There have also been numerous
last year. During the COVID-19 public procurement, these violations of free speech and
pandemic, the country imposed measures lacked oversight and press, including the arrest and
a state of emergency79 that led to allowed for special exemptions imprisonment of journalists81
restriction of movement and the for which the government has who criticise public authorities,
closure of national borders. not been held to account.80 These investigate cases of corruption,
initiatives extend to areas beyond or highlight a lack of government
health care and pose significant transparency.

In Morocco, corruption contributes to the

poor health system and a lack of an effective
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo: posztos / Shutterstock.com

19
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

SUB-SAHARAN
AFRICA
With an average score of 32, Sub-Saharan Africa is the lowest
performing region on the CPI, showing little improvement from
previous years and underscoring a need for urgent action.

49
TOP SCORERS

SEYCHELLES
66/100
BOTSWANA
60/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED CABO VERDE
58/100

32
BOTTOM SCORERS

SUDAN
16/100
/100 SOUTH SUDAN
12/100
AVERAGE REGIONAL SOMALIA
SCORE 12/100

With a score of 66, the Seychelles (24), about rising costs of living, risks derailing progress. With
consistently earns top marks in corruption and the widespread a score of 19, the Republic of
the region, followed by Botswana misuse of emergency funds. Congo significantly declined by
(60) and Cabo Verde (58). At the In South Africa, an audit seven points since 2012. This
bottom of the index are Sudan of COVID-19 expenditures performance is reflective of
(16), Somalia (12) and South revealed overpricing, fraud endemic corruption and impunity
Sudan (12). and corruption.88 In Nigeria by the country’s political elite.92
(25), civil society organisations The Republic of Congo has an
Across the region, the COVID-19 denounced reports of hoarding anti-corruption framework in
pandemic highlights structural of COVID-19 palliatives89 by states place, but its implementation
gaps82 in national health and called on anti-corruption remains weak.93
care systems, corruption institutions to investigate the
risks associated with public allegations. Scoring 36 on the To reverse the region’s position
procurement83 and the CPI, Côte d’Ivoire has significantly as the worst performing on the
misappropriation of emergency improved, by nine points since CPI, governments in Sub-Saharan
funds.84 The economic shock of 2013. However, the political crisis Africa must take decisive action,
the pandemic led to protests surrounding the re-election of particularly in those economies
and dissent in many countries, President Allasane Ouattara, already weakened by the ongoing
including South Africa (44),85 which erupted into violence90 economic recession stemming
Angola86 (27) and Zimbabwe87 and human rights violations,91 from COVID-19.

20
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Malawi A recent government audit connection with a cement import

revealed95 public sector scandal.
With a score of 30, Malawi is a corruption of astronomical
significant decliner on the CPI, proportions, with an estimated In addition, the extradition of
dropping seven points since 2012. US$1 billion allegedly stolen by a high-profile Malawian pastor
the previous government.96 accused of money laundering in
Notorious for the “cash-gate South Africa98 may be another
scandal” of 2013,94 involving high A new government elected in test of the country’s commitment
levels of public sector corruption June 2020 promises a fresh start, to anti-corruption.
and misappropriation of funds, with several investigations into
the country continues to grapple corruption already underway,
with corruption. and some key arrests97 made in

Malawi has an opportunity to strengthen

good governance and promote anti-
corruption efforts to reverse the effects of
the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

Photo: MsTingak / CC BY-SA 3.0

Zambia According to our 2019 report,99 Stronger commitment to

nearly one in five Zambian procurement reforms and
With a score of 33, Zambia is a citizens paid bribes100 to receive open civic spaces will support
significant decliner on the CPI, services like health care or greater transparency and
dropping five points since 2013. education. accountability,102 but the
upcoming general election will
Corruption is endemic in Zambia The mounting levels of ultimately determine whether
and affects people’s access corruption may be attributable corruption will be a priority in the
to essential public services. to an inefficient national public coming years.
procurement system,101 operating
against a backdrop of rising
foreign debt and high levels of
poverty.

In Zambia, commitment to procurement reforms will

support greater transparency and accountability.

Photo: Boris Mayer / Shutterstock.com

21
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

WESTERN EUROPE &

EUROPEAN UNION
With an average score of 66, Western Europe and the European
Union (EU) is the highest performing region on the CPI, but under
enormous strain due to COVID-19.

31
TOP SCORERS

DENMARK
88/100
FINLAND
85/100
COUNTRIES ASSESSED SWEDEN
85/100

66
BOTTOM SCORERS

HUNGARY
44/100
/100 ROMANIA
44/100
AVERAGE REGIONAL BULGARIA
SCORE 44/100

Western Europe and the EU score response, and in many cases, The COVID-19 pandemic exposed
among the highest countries on countries have fallen short of full serious issues related to the rule
the CPI, with Denmark (88) hitting transparency and accountability. of law across the region, with
the top spot, followed by Finland In Norway (84), the government corruption further weakening
(85), Sweden (85) and Switzerland declared a state of emergency democracies.107
(85). Conversely, the lowest that challenged constitutional
performers from the region are regulations.104 Although an ambitious EU
Romania (44), Hungary (44) and stimulus package108 could be
Bulgaria (44). Following constitutional instrumental to member states’
states of emergency in France COVID-19 response, such
Across the region, the COVID-19 (69), Hungary (44), Italy (53) an initiative is saddled with
pandemic has put additional and Spain (62), Democracy numerous large procurement
and unexpected pressure on Reporting International called processes, subject to strict
the integrity systems of many out governments for significant deadlines and vulnerable to
countries, making it “a political human rights restrictions.105 potential corruption and integrity
crisis that threatens the future In addition, due to COVID-19, challenges.
of liberal democracy”.103The elections have been delayed in at
pandemic has tested the least 11 EU countries.106
limits of Europe’s emergency

22
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Malta been unveiled and have raised The PM’s former chief of staff was
a strong public demand for arrested in September 2020111
With a score of 53, Malta is a a significantly strengthened for an alleged kickback scheme
significant decliner on the CPI, capacity to tackle corruption and to help three Russians obtain
dropping seven points since 2015 wider rule of law reforms”. Maltese passports as part of the
and hitting a new all-time low. controversial golden passports112
In 2019, a public inquiry110 into programme in 2015.
According to an EU report 109
the murder of journalist Daphne
about the rule of law in Malta, Caruana Galizia highlighted In addition, a European Central
“deep corruption patterns have high-level corruption and led to Bank report found major failings
the resignation of Prime Minister in Malta’s biggest bank,113
Joseph Muscat. potentially allowing for money
laundering and other criminal
activities.

Malta faces significant corruption challenges and suffers

one of the steepest declines in the rule of law.

Photo: Thomas Ellmenreich / Unsplash

Poland erosion of the rule of law and who broke the law in connection
democratic oversight has created with the COVID-19 pandemic,
With a score of 56, Poland conditions for corruption to and the heavy-handed police
declines significantly on the CPI, flourish at the highest levels of crackdown on peaceful women’s
dropping seven points since 2015. power. rights protestors119 increased
tensions in the country and
The country’s ruling party During COVID-19, the national revealed the ruling party’s
has consistently promoted legislature amended and intentions to further solidify its
reforms that weakened judicial repealed hundreds of laws, power, despite growing public
independence.114 The steady using the crisis as cover to push discontent.
through dangerous legislation.115
Parliament also limited access With their recent pushback
to information for citizens and against the EU120 for making the
journalists116 and allowed for rule of law a condition121 for EU
opaque public spending related funds, Polish political leaders put
to COVID-19.117 An attempt to democracy and anti-corruption
secure impunity118 for officials reforms at risk.

In Poland, government leaders exploit the COVID-19 crisis for

political gain, undermining democracy, human rights and anti-
corruption efforts.

Photo: Lena Ivanova / Shutterstock.com

23
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

METHODOLOGY

The CPI aggregates data from + Considers only the 3. Calculate the average. For a
a number of different sources assessments of country country or territory to be included
that provide perceptions among experts or businesspeople in the CPI, a minimum of three
business-people and country sources must assess that country.
experts of the level of corruption + Is regularly updated. A country’s CPI score is then
in the public sector. The following calculated as the average of all
steps are taken to calculate the The CPI 2020 is calculated using standardised scores available for
CPI: 13 different data sources from 12 that country. Scores are rounded
different institutions that capture to whole numbers.
1. Select data sources. Each perceptions of corruption within
data source used to construct the past two years. 4. Report the measure of
the CPI must fulfil the following uncertainty. The CPI score is
criteria to qualify as a valid 2. Standardise data sources accompanied by a standard error
source: to a scale of 0-100. This and confidence interval. This
standardisation is done by captures the variation across
+ Quantifies risks or subtracting the mean of each the data sources available for a
perceptions of corruption in source in the baseline year from country or territory.
the public sector each country score, then dividing
by the standard deviation of that
+ Is based on a reliable and source in the baseline year. This
valid methodology subtraction and division using
the baseline year parameters
+ Comes from a reputable ensures that the CPI scores are
organisation comparable year on year since
2012. After this procedure,
+ Allows for sufficient variation the standardised scores are
of scores to distinguish transformed to the CPI scale by
between countries multiplying them with the value
of the CPI standard deviation in
+ Ranks a substantial number 2012 (20) and adding the mean
of countries of the CPI in 2012 (45), so that the
dataset fits the CPI’s 0-100 scale.

24
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

ENDNOTES

1 John Hopkins University of Medicine, 7 D.C. Cuadrado, 2020 14 “Pandemic Violations of Democratic
Coronavirus Resources Centre Global Map Standards Index”, Varieties of
of COVID-19 Cases, www.coronavirus.jhu. 8 “Tackling the crisis of democracy, Democracy (V-DEM) 2020, https://www.v-
edu/map.html promoting rule of law and fighting dem.net/en/our-work/research-projects/
corruption”, Transparency International, pandemic-backsliding/
2 “Citizens report COVID-19 29 January 2019, www.transparency.org/
corruption”, Transparency en/news/tackling-crisis-of-democracy- 15 “Trump administration is blocking
International, September 2020, promoting-rule-of-law-and-fighting- COVID stimulus oversight: government
www.transparency.org/en/ corruption. watchdog letter“ Reuters, 15 June
citizens-report-covid-19-corruption 2020, www.reuters.com/article/us-
9 “Medical exodus leaves Romania, health-coronavirus-usa-stimulus/
3 D. C. Cuadrado, The Ignored Pandemic Bulgaria in pain,“ Deutsche Welle, 2 trump-administration-is-blocking-
Behind COVID-19 (London: Transparency July 2018, www.dw.com/en/medical- covid-stimulus-oversight-government-
International – Health, 2020) http://ti- exodus-leaves-romania-bulgaria-in- watchdog-letter-idUSKBN23M2XD
health.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ pain/a-44487178.
The-Ignored-Pandemic-Behind-COVID- 16 ”Philippines: curfew violators
19-the-impact-of-corruption-on- 10 “Uruguay wages successful fight abused”, Human Rights Watch, March 26
healthcare.pdf against COVID-19,” Deutsche Welle, 22 2020, www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/26/
August 2020, www.dw.com/en/uruguay- philippines-curfew-violators-abused.
4 “Corruption and the Coronavirus”, wages-successful-fight-against-covid-
Transparency International, 18 March 19/a-54659839 17 ”Press freedom further restricted
2020, www.transparency.org/en/news/ amid COVID-19 pandemic,” Philippine
corruption-and-the-coronavirus 11 A case for building a stronger health Centre for Investigative Journalism, 4
care system in Bangladesh,” World May 2020, www.pcij.org/article/4009/
5 Transparency International, Bank Blogs, 26 July 2020, www.blogs. state-of-media-freedom-in-ph-2
Global Corruption Barometer, www. worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/
transparency.org/en/gcb. case-building-stronger-health-care- 18 “New Zealand’s COVID-19
system-bangladesh strategy looks successful, but we must
6 M. Chêne et al., Getting Ahead of the safeguard democracy,” The Guardian,
Curve: Exploring Post-COVID-19 Trends 12 “Corruption mars Bangladesh’s 15 April 2020, www.theguardian.com/
and their Impact on Anti-Corruption, Covid-19 relief efforts”, UCA News, 13 commentisfree/2020/apr/16/new-
Governance and Development (Berlin: April 2020, https://www.ucanews.com/ zealands-fight-against-covid-19-looks-
Transparency International, 2020), www. news/corruption-mars-bangladeshs- successful-but-democracy-is-under-
transparency.org/en/publications/ covid-19-relief-efforts/87700 threat
getting-ahead-of-the-curve-exploring-
post-covid-19-trends-and-their-impact- 13 The World Bank’s World 19 “Anti-corruption response to
on-anti-corruption-governance-and- Development Indicators COVID-19 must include women”, UN
development%20 Women: Americas and the Caribbean, 10

25
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

June 2020, www.lac.unwomen.org/en/ de partidos es un avance respecto a 35 ”Honduras’ New Criminal Code Will
noticias-y-eventos/articulos/2020/06/ legislación vigente”, Agencia Peruana Help Impunity Prosper”, InSight Crime, 29
respuesta-anticorrupcion-a-la-covid- de Noticias, 20 September 2020, www. June 2020, www.insightcrime.org/news/
debe-ser-transparente andina.pe/agencia/noticia-proetica-ley- analysis/honduras-new-criminal-code/
financiamiento-partidos-es-un-avance-
20 Ministerio de Gobernación, respecto-a-legislacion-vigente-814516. 36 ”Las maniobras de corrupción en
Compilación de Decretos de Emergencia aspx Honduras- Parte II- Nuevo Código Penal”,
por COVID-19, (El Salvador: Ministerio de El Pulso, 27 June 2020, https://elpulso.
Gobernación, 2020). 28 ”Destitución de Vizcarra: Perú hn/?p=45155
y la crisis permanente”, Deutsche
21 ”Pronunciamiento de Welle, 11 November 2020, www. 37 ”Lack of planning in Honduras
organizaciones de la sociedad civil sobre dw.com/es/destituci%C3%B3n-de- COVID-19 purchases risks millions in
acciones impulsadas en la emergencia vizcarra-per%C3%BA-y-la-crisis- public funds”, Transparency International,
del COVID-19,” Acción Ciudadana, 11 permanente/a-55568245 9 July 2020, www.transparency.org/en/
May 2020, www.accion-ciudadana. blog/lack-of-planning-in-honduras-covid-
org/comunicados-pronunciamiento- 29 ”8 former presidents of Peru 19-purchases-risks-millions-in-public-
de-organizaciones-de-la-sociedad- singled out for corruption”, Expansión, funds
civil-sobre-acciones-impulsadas-en-la- 15 November 2020, www.expansion.mx/
emergencia-del-covid-19/ mundo/2020/11/15/8-ex-presidentes- 38 ”Mr. HispanoPreneur™: The
peru-acusados-corrupcion Man Behind Honduras’ $47-Million
22 ”Alarm over concentration of Coronavirus Disaster”, Organized Crime
power in the Presidency in Colombia”, 30 ”Fight against corruption, citizens’ and Corruption Reporting Project, 16
Transparency International, 3 September rights must be protected during political October 2020, www.occrp.org/en/
2020, www.transparency.org/en/press/ crisis in Peru”, Transparency International, coronavirus/mr-hispanopreneurtm-the-
alarm-over-concentration-of-power-in- 13 November 2020, www.transparency. man-behind-honduras-47-million-dollar-
the-presidency-in-colombia org/en/press/fight-against-corruption- coronavirus-disaster
citizens-rights-must-be-protected-
23 FUNDE, Ataques a la Prensa during-political-crisis-in-peru 39 “Five ways the Pacific can recover
Independiente y a la Sociedad Civil, with integrity in 2021”, Transparency
www.repo.funde.org/1704/1/CC-C-AT- 31 ”Corruption, weak institutions International, 9 December 2020, www.
AUT-20-10-20.pdf and natural disasters: is there hope transparency.org/en/blog/five-ways-the-
for Honduras to rebuild?”, Univision, 16 pacific-region-can-recover-with-integrity-
24 ”La oscura mina de oro en la que December 2020, www.univision.com/ in-2021
se convirtió la compra de equipos por univision-news/opinion/corruption-
la pandemia en Latinoamérica”, France weak-institutions-natural-disasters-can- 40 “Past scandals haunt Papua
24, 8 May 2020, www.france24.com/ honduras-rebuild New Guinea‘s coronavirus response“,
es/20200508-corrupcion-insumos- Transparency International, 29 May 2020,
m%C3%A9dicos-covid19-pandemia 32 World Bank, ”Honduras” in www.transparency.org/en/blog/past-
Climate Change Knowledge Portal, www. scandals-haunt-papua-new-guineas-
25 ”The UN warns that the covid-19 climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/ coronavirus-response
could leave 45 million new poor in country/honduras
Latin America and the Caribbean”, CNN 41 ”Transparency Solomons calls on
Español, 10 July 2020, www.cnnespanol. 33 ”Honduras’ opposition needs govt to audit economic stimulus funds”,
cnn.com/2020/07/10/la-onu-advierte- to learn from its mistakes”, Global Radio New Zealand, 7 November 2020,
que-el-covid-19-podria-dejar-45- Americans, 4 June 2020, www. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/
millones-nuevos-pobres-en-america- theglobalamericans.org/2020/06/ pacific-news/430071/transparency-
latina-y-el-caribe/ honduras-opposition-needs-to-learn- solomons-calls-on-govt-to-audit-
from-its-mistakes/ economic-stimulus-funds
26 “What is Peru’s president
doing to fight corruption?”, Latin 34 ”Statement on the end of MACCIH’s 42 Freedom House, “Vanuatu“ in
America Reports, 30 July 2019, mandate in Honduras”, Transparency Freedom in the World 2019, www.
https://latinamericareports.com/ International, 21 January 2020, www. freedomhouse.org/country/vanuatu/
vizcarra-fight-corruption-peru/2823/ transparency.org/en/press/statement- freedom-world/2019
on-the-end-of-maccihs-mandate-in-
27 ”Proética: ley de financiamiento honduras 43 ”Vanuatu Parliament dissolves

26
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

ahead of election”, Radio New Zealand, and Central Asia together“, Open Harsh Weekend Curfews”, Balkan Insight,
22 January 2020, www.rnz.co.nz/ Contracting Partnership, 16 June 2020, April 10 2020, https://balkaninsight.
international/pacific-news/407852/ www.open-contracting.org/2020/06/16/ com/2020/04/10/serbia-north-
vanuatu-parliament-dissolves-ahead-of- finding-collaborative-solutions- macedonia-impose-harsh-weekend-
election in-a-crisis-how-covid-19-brought- curfews/
procurement-actors-in-eastern-europe-
44 Government of Vanuatu, “Republic and-central-asia-together/ 59 “Serbia: Journalist Ana Lalic arrested
of Vanuatu” in Voluntary national review for reporting on inadequate hospital
on the implemenation of the 2030 agenda 52 Tracking the trillions: 6-month facilities for coronavirus“, Article 19, 2
for sustainable development, https:// checkup on IMF‘s COVID-19 emergency April 2020, www.article19.org/resources/
sustainabledevelopment.un.org/ aid“, Transparency International, 28 serbia-journalist-ana-lalic-arrested-
content/documents/23336Republic_of_ September 2020, www.transparency. for-reporting-on-inadequate-hospital-
Vanuatu_VNR_2019.pdf org/en/blog/tracking-the-trillions-6- facilities-for-coronavirus/
month-checkup-on-imfs-covid-19-
45 Freedom House, “Vanuatu“ in emergency-aid 60 “Government says only Crisis
Freedom in the World 2019, www. Staff can issue information about
freedomhouse.org/country/vanuatu/ 53 Transparency International, coronavirus”, N1, 1 April 2020, https://
freedom-world/2019 COVID-19: Documented Corruption rs.n1info.com/english/news/a584240-
and Malfeasance Cases (Berlin: serbian-government-says-only-its-crisis-
46 M. Bak, Overview of corruption and Transparency International, 2020), staff-can-issue-information-about-
anti-corruption in Myanmar (Berlin: images.transparencycdn.org/images/ coronavirus-pandemic/
Transparency International, 2019), COVID-19-Documented-corruption-and-
https://knowledgehub.transparency.org/ malfeasance-cases.pdf 61 “For Criticising Serbia’s COVID-19
helpdesk/overview-of-corruption-and-anti- Response, Doctors Come under Fire“,
corruption-in-myanmar-1 54 “Tackling the crisis of democracy, Balkan Insight,14 October 2020, https://
promoting rule of law and fighting balkaninsight.com/2020/10/14/for-
47 “Global Corruption Barometer corruption”, Transparency International, criticising-serbias-covid-19-response-
— Asia”, Transparency International, 29 January 2019, www.transparency.org/ doctors-come-under-fire/
November 2020, www.transparency.org/ en/news/tackling-crisis-of-democracy-
en/gcb/asia/asia-2020 promoting-rule-of-law-and-fighting- 62 W. Benedek, OSCE Rapporteur’s
corruption Report under the Moscow Mechanism on
48 J. Schoeberlein, Corruption in Alleged Human Rights Violations related
ASEAN: Regional Trends from the 55 “Digging deeper into corruption, to the Presidential Elections of 9 August
2020 Global Corruption Barometer violence against journalists and active 2020 in Belarus (Warsaw: Organization
and Country Spotlights (Berlin: civil society“, Transparency International, for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Transparency International, 2020), 21 February 2018, www.transparency. Office for Democratic Institutions and
https://knowledgehub.transparency.org/ org/en/news/digging-deeper-into- Human Rights, 2020), https://www.osce.
helpdesk/corruption-in-asean-regional- corruption-violence-against-journalists org/files/f/documents/2/b/469539.pdf
trends-from-the-2020-global-corruption-
barometer-and-country-spotlights 56 ”TI BIH filed criminal charges 63 ”Grand corruption”, Transparency
against the Public Health Institute of International, www.transparency.org/en/
49 J. Schoeberlein, 2020 the Republic of Srpska”, Transparency corruptionary/grand-corruption
International Bosnia and Herzegovina, 30
50 “Eastern Europe and Central May 2020, https://ti-bih.org/tibih-podnio- 64 M. Bak, Overview of corruption and
Asia: Governments must stop abusing krivicnu-prijavu-zbog-nabavki-instituta- anticorruption in Armenia, Azerbaijan,
emergency powers during COVID-19 za-javno-zdravstvo-rs/?lang=en Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
pandemic”, Amnesty International UK, 29 (Berlin: Transparency International,
April 2020, www.amnesty.org.uk/press- 57 ”Gojković: Sednica Skupštine nije 2020), https://knowledgehub.
releases/eastern-europe-and-central- moguća zbog zabrane skupova više od transparency.org/helpdesk/overview-
asia-governments-must-stop-abusing- 50 ljudi”, N1, 23 March 2020, https:// of-corruption-and-anti-corruption-in-
emergency-powers rs.n1info.com/vesti/a581068-gojkovic- armenia-azerbaijan-belarus-georgia-
sednica-skupstine-nije-moguca-zbog- moldova-and-ukraine
51 “Finding collaborative solutions zabrane-skupova-vise-od-50-ljudi/
in a crisis: How Covid-19 brought 65 ”GRECO publicly declares
procurement actors in Eastern Europe 58  ”Serbia, North Macedonia Impose Belarus non-compliant with the CoE

27
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

anti-corruption standards”, Group of 74 ”Lebanon: the ICJ calls for +Eya+Jrad.pdf/122aaa7e-0608-

States against Corruption - Council of extensive reforms to strengthen judicial ad15-abc7-4f09cfff689e?version=1.0
Europe, 19 March 2019, www.coe.int/en/ independence and accountability”, &t=1600704327172
web/portal/-/council-of-europe-s-anti- International Commission of Jurists, 28
corruption-body-greco-publicly-declares- February 2017, www.icj.org/lebanon- 81 ”Journalist Omar Radi arrested,
the-country-non-compliant-with-the-coe- the-icj-calls-for-extensive-reforms-to- charged in Morocco”, Committee to
anti-corruption-standards strengthen-judicial-independence-and- Protect Journalists, 29 July 2020, https://
accountability/ cpj.org/2020/07/journalist-omar-radi-
66 Organisation for Economic arrested-charged-in-morocco/
Co-operation and Development, 75 “New laws, same old practices?
COVID-19 crisis response in MENA Lebanon passes anti-corruption laws, 82 “African nations ‘far from ready’
countries (OECD, 2020), https://read. but questions persist over their efficacy”, for COVID-19 vaccination drive, says
oecd-ilibrary.org/view/?ref=129_129919- The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, UN health agency”, UN News, 27
4li7bq8asv&title=COVID-19-Crisis- 7 January 2020, https://timep.org/ November 2020, https://news.un.org/
Response-in-MENA-Countries explainers/new-laws-same-old-practices- en/story/2020/11/1078642
lebanon-passes-anti-corruption-laws-
67 Organisation for Economic Co- but-questions-persist-over-their-efficacy/ 83 “Corruption risks in Southern
operation and Development, 2020 Africa’s response to the coronavirus”,
76 ”Lebanon’s New Law on Illicit Transparency International, 13 May
68 Organisation for Economic Co- Enrichment: A Step Forward in Fighting 2020, www.transparency.org/en/news/
operation and Development, 2020 Corruption?”, The Tahrir Institute for corruption-risks-in-africas-response-to-
Middle East Policy, 11 March 2020, the-coronavirus
69 Organisation for Economic Co- https://timep.org/commentary/analysis/
operation and Development, 2020 lebanons-new-law-on-illicit-enrichment- 84 Transparency International,
a-step-forward-in-fighting-corruption/ COVID-19: Documented Corruption
70 “The Price of Corruption in Iraq: and Malfeasance Cases (Berlin:
Kadhimi Faces the Challenge of 77 United Nations Development Transparency International, 2020),
Systemic Reform”, The Washington Programme and Republic of Lebanon, images.transparencycdn.org/images/
Institute, 10 November 2020, www. National Action Plan to Implement COVID-19-Documented-corruption-and-
washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ the Right to Access to Information Law malfeasance-cases.pdf
price-corruption-iraq-kadhimi-faces- (2020), https://www.lb.undp.org/
challenge-systemic-reform content/lebanon/en/home/library/ 85 “South African Unions Strike to
democratic_governance/national-action- Protest Graft, Job Losses“, Bloomberg, 7
71 Human Rights Watch, ”Whoever plan-to-implement-the-right-to-access- October 2020, www.bloomberg.com/
Finds the Vaccine Must Share It”: to-informa.html news/articles/2020-10-07/south-african-
Strengthening Human Rights and unions-down-tools-in-protest-at-graft-
Transparency Around Covid-19 78 Republic of Lebanon, The national job-losses
Vaccines (HRW, 2020), www.hrw.org/ anti-corruption strategy 2020-2025
report/2020/10/29/whoever-finds- (2020), www.undp-aciac.org/resources/ 86 “Angola: Protest in Luanda against
vaccine-must-share-it/strengthening- National%20Anti-Corruption%20 corruption”, Africa News, 26 October
human-rights-and-transparency Strategy%20English.pdf 2020, www.africanews.com/2020/10/26/
angola-protest-in-luanda-against-
72 ”Lebanon’s mass revolt against 79 ”Morocco: Stepping Up to the corruption/
corruption and poverty continues”, COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak”,
The Guardian, 20 October 2019, The World Bank, 16 June 2020, 87 “Zimbabwean government lashes
www.theguardian.com/world/2019/ www.worldbank.org/en/news/ out at anti-corruption protesters with an
oct/20/lebanons-mass-revolt-against- feature/2020/06/16/morocco-stepping- iron fist“, Daily Maverick, 2 August 2020,
corruption-and-poverty-continues up-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-outbreak www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-
08-02-zimbabwean-government-lashes-
73 ”Lebanon’s caretaker PM and ex- 80 E. Jrad, The Fight Against Covid-19 out-at-anti-corruption-protesters-with-
ministers charged over Beirut blast”, in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia: Courses an-an-iron-fist/
The Guardian, 10 December 2020, www. of Action, Paths for Reflection (Berlin:
theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/10/ Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, 2020), www. 88 ”In South Africa, COVID-19 has
lebanons-caretaker-prime-minister-and- kas.de/documents/282499/282548/ exposed greed and spurred long-needed
ex-ministers-charged-over-beirut-blast Covid19+Response+in+the+Maghreb+- action against corruption”, Transparency

28
 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020

International, 4 September 2020, www. on corruption”, Anadolu Agency, 14 stress test continued (Berlin: Democracy
transparency.org/en/blog/in-south- July 2020, www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ Reporting International, 2020), https://
africa-covid-19-has-exposed-greed-and- malawis-new-govt-cracks-down-on- democracy-reporting.org/wp-content/
spurred-long-needed-action-against- corruption/1910008 uploads/2020/07/Rule-of-Law-Stress-
corruption Test-Continued-Layout_JJ_JP.pdf
98 ”Malawi signs extradition papers
89 ”Investigate hoarding of COVID-19 for self-proclaimed prophet”, Al Jazeera, 106 “Global Impact of COVID-19 on
palliatives by states, SERAP urges ICPC”, 15 December 2020, www.aljazeera. Elections“, Election Guide, 23 November
Healthwise, 25 October 2020, https:// com/news/2020/12/15/malawi-signs- 2020, www.electionguide.org/digest/
healthwise.punchng.com/investigate- extradition-papers-for-self-proclaimed- post/17591/
hoarding-of-covid-19-palliatives-by- prophet
states-serap-urges-icpc/ 107 “Tackling the crisis of democracy,
99 ”Global Corruption Barometer promoting rule of law and fighting
90 “Ivory Coast election: Alassane - Africa”, Transparency International, corruption”, Transparency International,
Ouattara wins amid boycott“, BBC News, July 2019, www.transparency.org/en/ 29 January 2019, www.transparency.org/
3 November 2020, www.bbc.com/news/ publications/gcb-africa-2019 en/news/tackling-crisis-of-democracy-
world-africa-54778200 promoting-rule-of-law-and-fighting-
100 Zambia in ”Global Corruption corruption
91 “His rivals have been arrested or Barometer - Africa”, Transparency
exiled, but Ivorian President insists: International, July 2019, www. 108 European Commission,
‘They’re not democrats’”, CNN, 15 transparency.org/en/gcb/africa/ Recovery plan for Europe (Brussels:
December 2020, https://edition.cnn. africa-2019/results/zmb European Commission, 2020),
com/2020/12/14/africa/ivory-coast- https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/
president-ouattara-intl/index.html 101 “Assessment of the Public recovery-plan-europe_en#documents
Procurement System of Zambia“,
92 “The Cycle of Kleptocracy: a World Bank Blogs, 12 March 2020, 109 European Union, 2020 Rule of Law
Congolese State Affair Part III“, http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/ Report Country Chapter on the rule of law
Global Witness, 9 July 2020, https:// en/155311584023270547/MAPS- situation in Malta (Brussels: European
www.globalwitness.org/en/ ZAMBIA-FINAL.pdf Union, 2020), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
campaigns/oil-gas-and-mining/ legal-content/EN/TXT/?
congolese-kleptocracy/ 102 “Improving Public Procurement qid=1602583018021&
in Zambia and How to Get there uri=CELEX%3A52020SC0317
93 Risk and Compliance Portal, ” with MAPS“, World Bank Blogs, 12
Republic of the Congo” in Country March 2020, https://blogs.worldbank. 110 Daphne Caruana Galizia
Profile (GAN Integrity, 2020), https:// org/governance/improving-public- Foundation, Public inquiry, www.daphne.
www.ganintegrity.com/portal/ procurement-zambia-and-how-get- foundation/en/justice/public-inquiry
country-profiles/republic-of-the-congo/ there-maps
111 “Ex-chief of staff to former Maltese
94 ”’Cashgate’ - Malawi’s murky tale 103 “A Call to Defend Democracy”, PM arrested in corruption probe“,
of shooting and corruption”, BBC News, International Institute for Democracy Politico EU, 22 September 2020, www.
27 January 2014, www.bbc.com/news/ and Electoral Assistance, 25 politico.eu/article/malta-keith-schembri-
world-africa-25912652 June 2020, www.idea.int/news- arrested-panama-papers-scandal-
media/multimedia-reports/ daphne-caruana-galizia-murder/
95 ”’Cashgate’ - Malawi’s murky tale call-defend-democracy
of shooting and corruption”, BBC News, 112 “Golden passports: infringement
27 January 2014, www.bbc.com/news/ 104 “Fighting the Virus and the Rule procedures against Cyprus and
world-africa-25912652 of Law – A Country Report on Norway“, Malta the right move”, Transparency
Verfassungsblog, 13 April 2020, https:// International, 20 October 2020, www.
96 “Malawi President Vows to Close in verfassungsblog.de/fighting-the-virus- transparency.org/en/press/golden-
on Corrupt Officials“, Voice of America, and-the-rule-of-law-a-country-report-on- passports-infringement-procedures-
26 July 2020, www.voanews.com/africa/ norway/ against-cyprus-and-malta-the-right-
malawi-president-vows-close-corrupt- move
officials 105 T. Fournier and M. Meyer-
Resende, Phase two of COVID-19 113 “Exclusive: ECB flags failings in
97 ”Malawi’s new gov’t cracks down responses across the EU – the rule of law dirty-money screening at Malta’s top

29
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

bank“, Reuters, 20 November 2019, www. 121 “Parliament approves the

reuters.com/article/us-malta-bank-of- “rule of law conditionality” for
valletta-ecb-exclusive-idUSKBN1XU28A access to EU funds“, European
Parliament, 16 December 2020, www.
114 ”Polish judiciary changes are europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-
a ‘destruction’: EU commissioner”, room/20201211IPR93622/parliament-
Reuters, 8 February 2020, approves-the-rule-of-law-conditionality-
www.reuters.com/article/ for-access-to-eu-funds
us-poland-eu-judges-idUSKBN2020H3

115 ”Poland’s anti-abortion push

highlights pandemic risks to democracy”,
The Conversation, 25 November 2020,
https://theconversation.com/polands-
anti-abortion-push-highlights-pandemic-
risks-to-democracy-150520

116 “Poland’s government blocks

access to public information:
daily“, Warsaw Business Journal,
16 April 2020, https://wbj.pl/
polands-government-blocks-
access-to-public-information-daily/
post/126760

117 M. Kania, Public procurement and

COVID-19 in Poland (Katowice: University
of Silesia in Katowice, 2020), https://
publicprocurementinternational.com/
wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Public-
Procurement-and-COVID-19-in-Poland.-
Michal-Kania.-31-March-2020.docx

118 ”Condemnation of proposed
impunity for politicians and officials in
Poland”, Transparency International, 29
September 2020, www.transparency.
org/en/press/condemnation-of-
proposed-impunity-for-politicians-and-
officials-in-poland

119 ”Police using ‘excessive violence’

against peaceful protesters in Poland
amid abortion row”, Euro News, 25
November 2020, www.euronews.
com/2020/11/24/police-using-excessive-
violence-against-peaceful-protesters-in-
poland

120 Hungary and Poland escalate

budget fight over rule of law”, Politico
EU, 26 November 2020, www.politico.
eu/article/poland-hungary-budget-
democracy-rule-law-orban-morawiecki-
merkel/

30
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