Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 - Executive Summary

Armenia With a score of 42, Armenia improves by seven points since last year. Following the revolution in 2018 and the formation of a new parliament, the country has demonstrated promising developments in advancing anti- corruption policy reforms. 36 Kosovo With a score of 36, Kosovo, is experiencing a shift in parliamentary power that could offer an opportunity for change. After years of criticising the government and international community in Kosovo for their failure to address corruption, 39 Despite these improvements, conflicts of interests and non- transparent and unaccountable public operations remain impediments to ending corruption in the country. 37 While improving political integrity will take time and resources, increasing public trust in law the Self-Determination ( Vetevendosje ) party, which recently won a majority of parliamentary seats, has a chance to demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption. 40 During the election campaign, the party was one of a few that responded to requests to disclose campaign costs. enforcement and the judiciary are critical first steps in ensuring appropriate checks and balances and improving anti-corruption efforts. 38 However, it remains to be seen if a new government will live up to a higher standard of political integrity. It can do so by abandoning the usual practice of political appointments in state-owned enterprises and by establishing a strong legal obligation for financial disclosure by political parties. COUNTRIES TO WATCH In Armenia, political will and implementation of anti-corruption policies are important, while fundamental and urgent change of political culture and governance is crucial. In Kosovo, the new parliament has an opportunity to reverse the shortcomings of the previous administration and prioritise anti-corruption efforts. Photo: Amnat Phuthamrong /shutterstock.com Photo: Albinfo/Wikimedia Commons CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2019 17