Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 - Executive Summary

Malta With a score of 54, Malta is a significant decliner on the CPI, dropping six points since 2015. Given the “pair of political machines [that] have [for decades] operated with impunity on the island” 60 it’s no wonder that two years after Estonia For the past decade, Estonia (74) has seen a stable rise on the CPI. A significant improver, the country increased its score by 10 points since 2012. A comprehensive legislative framework, independent institutions and effective online tools make it possible to reduce the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed while reporting on corruption, the country is still mired in corruption. Despite calls from Maltese citizens, Caruana Galizia’s family and the international community to solve the case, the government petty corruption and make political party financing open and transparent. There is a need, however, to legally define and regulate lobbying to prevent and detect undue influence on policy-making. Although private sector corruption is not captured on the CPI, recent money dragged its feet in the judicial procedures. Several scandals involving the Panama Papers, the collapse of a Maltese bank and the “golden visa” scheme that sells Maltese citizenship to wealthy overseas investors may also contribute to Malta’s decline on the CPI. laundering scandals involving the Estonian branch of Danske Bank demonstrate a greater need for integrity and accountability in the banking and business sectors. 61 The scandal also highlights a need for better and stronger EU-wide anti-money laundering supervision. 62 COUNTRIES TO WATCH In Malta, corruption is undermining the rule of law. A significant lack of political integrity contributes to politicians and others hiding illicit wealth behind secret companies. The public institutions of Estonia are largely characterised by high levels of integrity and transparency. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters Photo: Kollawat Somsri /shutterstock.com CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2019 23