Corruption Index 2025: Global Recession and Russia’s Anti-Record

Developed countries lose points due to weakening controls

Transparency International has published its annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025. The report shows that corruption is worsening in democracies around the world. The global average fell to 42, the worst level in more than a decade.

The index ranks countries on a scale from zero (high level of corruption) to 100 (very clean reputation) based on data from experts and business representatives. The higher the score, the better the situation with the perception of corruption.

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Russia: worst result ever

Russia in 2025 again scored 22 points out of 100 - this is the worst indicator for the entire period of calculations. The country ranked 157th out of 181, sharing it with Chad, Honduras and Zimbabwe. A year earlier, Russia had the same 22 points, but was in 154th place - then the ranking included 180 countries.

According to the report, corruption in Russia is systemic and is intensifying amid the expansion of the secrecy regime and the destruction of independent public institutions.

Ukraine and the post-Soviet space

Ukraine received 36 points, one more than a year ago, and took 106th place along with Argentina and Belize.

“The government of President Vladimir Zelensky faces widespread public discontent due to allegations of corruption against those close to him, while the country is under attack from Russia,” the drafters of the document note.
At the same time, the authors emphasize that the disclosure of corruption scandals “shows that Ukraine’s new anti-corruption system is bringing results.”

Among the post-Soviet countries, only a few managed to improve their indicators, including Azerbaijan and the Baltic countries. At the same time, the ratings of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia and a number of other countries decreased or stagnated.

Democracies lose points

The worst indicators among the countries of the European Union were shown by Bulgaria and Hungary - 40 points each. A decrease in ratings was also recorded in the USA, Great Britain and France. While these states are still at the top of the list, "corruption risks have increased" due to weakening independent oversight, gaps in legislation and ineffective enforcement, AFP said .

For the eighth year in a row, Denmark remains the leader of the index with 89 points. This is followed by Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand and Norway (81 each).

Transparency International emphasizes: 10 years ago there were 12 countries with scores above 80, now there are only 5. This, according to the organization, indicates a global decline in the effectiveness of the fight against corruption, even in stable democracies.

Earlier, “Verstka” reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled the annual anti-corruption declarations for officials. A declaration will only be required in certain cases.

Photo: Russian rubles. Reuters

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