In 2025, Brazil recorded a score of 35 on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), repeating its second lowest performance since the inception of the index. The CPI, published annually by Transparency International, evaluates how experts and executives perceive the level of corruption in the public sector, and a score of 35 places Brazil at the 107th position out of 182 countries assessed. The slight increase from the previous year, when Brazil held a score of 34, is statistically insignificant, suggesting a stagnation in the country's perceived corruption levels.

The Corruption Perception Index is regarded as a leading international ranking on corruption and has been published since 1995. Its current methodology, which allows for year-to-year comparisons, has been used since 2012. Importantly, the index does not measure specific cases of corruption or account for investigations; instead, it aggregates data from various independent sources capturing perceptions from specialists and researchers. This framework implies that while Brazil's score slightly improved, the overall perception of corruption remains troubling for the country's governance.

The implications of Brazil's consistent low score on the CPI are far-reaching. It indicates ongoing issues within the public sector and a pervasive lack of trust among citizens, experts, and investors. Despite minor improvements, the stagnation highlights the need for more robust anti-corruption measures and the potential impact on foreign investment and public confidence. Additionally, addressing these perception issues is critical for Brazil's long-term political and economic stability.