Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 COUNTRIES TO WATCH Lebanon With a score of 25, Lebanon significantly declined on the CPI, dropping five points since 2012. COVID-19 nearly paralysed the government. Despite massive protests against corruption and poverty 72 in October 2019, no major Morocco With a score of 40, Morocco drops three points on the CPI since last year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the country imposed a state of emergency 79 that led to restriction of movement and the closure of national borders. In Lebanon, the COVID-19 pandemic and Beirut blast present major challenges to the country’s anti-corruption efforts. In Morocco, corruption contributes to the poor health system and a lack of an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. corruption investigations have started, nor have any public officials been put on trial. In addition, the investigations of the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion are ongoing. While some senior officials have been charged in connection to the blast, accountability remains limited. 73 The courts still lack independence, 74 notwithstanding new laws from Parliament to strengthen the judiciary and address issues of asset recovery. Additionally, despite the recent adoption of a law to create a National Anti-Corruption Commission, this specialised body has yet to be established. 75 However, there are causes for hope, including parliament’s recent adoption 76 of a law to help address issues of dirty money; a long-awaited bill to improve access to information, 77 and the recent adoption of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. 78 These developments present opportunities to promote anti- corruption. While the government took exceptional measures in response to the health emergency, particularly around public procurement, these measures lacked oversight and allowed for special exemptions for which the government has not been held to account. 80 These initiatives extend to areas beyond health care and pose significant risks for mismanaged funds and corruption. There have also been numerous violations of free speech and press, including the arrest and imprisonment of journalists 81 who criticise public authorities, investigate cases of corruption, or highlight a lack of government transparency. Photo: Hiba Al Kallas / Shutterstock.com Photo: posztos / Shutterstock.com CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020 19