The world is sinking into corruption, Poland into stagnation. Conclusions from the new Corruption Perception Index
Transparency International has released the 2025 edition of the Corruption Perception Index, highlighting a worsening of corruption perceptions in the U.S. and presenting a bleak picture for Poland's anti-corruption efforts.
Transparency International has published the 2025 edition of its Corruption Perception Index, revealing worrying trends regarding global and national perceptions of corruption. The report highlights that the United States has seen a significant decline in how corruption is perceived, while Poland's situation remains grim, as experts point to a lack of meaningful action from the Polish government in combatting corruption over the past two years. According to Dr. Grzegorz Makowski, the government's inaction in implementing effective anti-corruption policies has not only hindered progress but has also contributed to a broader stagnation in fighting corruption in Poland.
The report emphasizes that one of the current challenges in combating corruption is the absence of leadership both globally and within many countries. This leadership vacuum complicates the effective implementation of international anti-corruption standards set by conventions like the UN Convention against Corruption and those from organizations such as the Council of Europe. Without strong leaders, it becomes increasingly difficult to pursue effective strategies for preventing corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability in public life, resulting in ineffective prosecution of corruption-related offenses.
Additionally, the report points out the rising attacks on democratic institutions and the media in Poland, further complicating the environment for transparency and anti-corruption efforts. These challenges underscore the need for renewed commitment and strong leadership at both international and national levels to build effective mechanisms for corruption prevention and to restore public trust in government institutions.