Spain's perception of corruption has deteriorated, as reflected in the latest report by Transparency International, which indicates that Spain has dropped a point in 2025, now sitting at 49th place out of 180 countries assessed. This recent decline marks the continuation of a trend that has seen Spain’s corruption perception rating fall since its last improvement in 2019, a period that has been marked by political instability and several changes in government following the no-confidence motion against then-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Since 2019, despite the efforts made by various administrations to tackle corruption, Spain has struggled to regain its footing in the global index. The report highlights that Spain shares its new score with Cyprus and Fiji, while countries such as Italy and Poland loom close in the rankings. The comparison with neighboring countries and others worldwide underlines the challenges Spain faces in fighting corruption, suggesting a sense of regional and international pressure for improvements in governance and accountability.

The implications of this decline are significant, as a worsening perception of corruption can affect foreign investment, public trust in institutions, and the overall political environment. As Spain continues to grapple with these issues, the need for effective reforms and transparent governance becomes increasingly critical to restoring confidence and improving its standing on the global stage. It sets the stage for future debates around policy effectiveness and the necessity for sweeping reforms to enhance public integrity and accountability in the country.