Corruption Perceptions Index 2012

PRESS RELEASE 5 TH DECEMBER The results Two thirds of the 176 countries ranked in the 2012 index score below 50, on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be very clean), showing that public institutions need to be more transparent, and powerful officials more accountable. Underperformers in the 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index include the Eurozone countries most affected by the financial and economic crisis. These countries are among the lowest scoring in the European Union, showing that perceptions of corruption are on the rise in Europe. In June 2012, Transparency International warned Europe to address corruption risks in the public sector to tackle the financial crisis, calling for strengthened efforts to corruption-proof public institutions. “Corruption is the world’s most talked about problem. The world’s leading economies should lead also by example, making sure that their institutions are fully transparent and their leaders are held accountable. This is crucial since their institutions play a significant role in preventing corruption to flourish globally.” Cobus De Swardt, Managing Director of Transparency International