The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International indicates a troubling rise in global corruption levels, with established democracies in Europe and North America exhibiting significant declines. This is the first time in over a decade that the average CPI score has dropped, now standing at a mere 42 out of 100, with the worst score being zero, reflecting a concerning trend amidst weakened leadership.

Denmark continues to lead the rankings with the highest score of 89, closely followed by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84, highlighting a contrast where some countries manage to maintain integrity. However, the index also reveals that 31 nations have made significant improvements to their scores since 2012, showcasing efforts in combating corruption. Nevertheless, the overall picture suggests that many nations are struggling to overcome corruption, particularly in light of faltering political leadership.

The findings prompt worries about the implications of declining trust in leadership across both democratic and authoritarian frameworks. The report stresses the importance of accountability and transparency as vital components in reversing the trend of increasing corruption, urging countries to adopt stronger measures to restore public confidence in governance and institutions.