Economists in Latvia have expressed that, despite a slight improvement in the country's corruption perception index, significant challenges remain in mitigating corruption risks.
Recent comments from Latvian economists following the release of the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International have highlighted concerns about the ongoing risks associated with corruption in the country. Despite Latvia's CPI increasing by one point to reach a total of 60 points, experts argue that this minor change does not represent a substantial achievement. Dainis Gašpuitis, the chief economist at SEB Bank, emphasized that the CPI reflects citizens’ perceptions regarding the fairness and integrity of society’s interactions with government regulations.
The economists pointed out that to achieve a significant and tangible improvement in the CPI, there must be noticeable enhancements in the operations of the state, particularly in terms of transparency in public procurement and the resolution of corruption-related cases with decisive outcomes. They underscored that the public's perception must shift positively, reflecting gains in government action against corruption and interest conflicts. Only then can Latvia expect a more significant score improvement on the index that would indicate real progress towards reducing corruption risks.
This conversation sheds light on the broader implications for governance in Latvia, as citizens demand stronger actions against corruption. The call for increased transparency and accountability in public procurement practices suggests that national efforts must prioritize structural reforms to enhance integrity and trust in governmental processes. As the situation develops, ongoing scrutiny from civil society and international observers will be essential in determining the effectiveness of proposed measures to combat corruption effectively.
