Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 100 80 60 40 20 0 74 46 33 36 NO VIOLATIONS MINOR VIOLATIONS SOME VIOLATIONS MAJOR VIOLATIONS CPI 2020 PANDEMIC VIOLATIONS OF DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS INDEX (PanDem) DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDING Corruption continues to contribute to democratic backsliding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries with higher levels of corruption rely on less democratic responses to the crisis. CORRUPTION AND COVID-19 DEMOCRATIC VIOLATIONS Democratic violations in response to COVID-19 are more common in countries with higher levels of corruption. Each dot represents a country’s CPI 2020 score, and the circles represent the average CPI score as compared to the average pandemic violation. 14 United States With a score of 67, the United States reaches its lowest position on the CPI since 2012. The Administration’s challenges to oversight 15 of the unprecedented US$1 trillion COVID-19 relief package raised serious anti- corruption concerns and marked a significant retreat from longstanding democratic norms promoting accountable government. Philippines With a score of 34, efforts to control corruption in the Philippines appear mostly stagnant since 2012. The government’s response to COVID-19 has been characterised by abusive enforcement 16 , and major violations of human rights and media freedom. 17 New Zealand With a score of 88, New Zealand scores top marks on the CPI. The country’s response to COVID-19 was lauded for its effectiveness although there are doubts about transparency standards. 18 While the government communicates openly about the measures and policies it puts in place, more transparency is needed around public procurement for COVID-19 recovery. 67 34 88 TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 10