What is Turkey's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index?

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, prepared by Transparency International, reveals a negative picture regarding the perception of corruption in the public sector in Turkey. According to the report, Turkey lost 3 points from the 34 points it received last year, dropping to 31 points and ranking 124th. Compared to last year, Turkey's position in the index has fallen by 17 places.

In the index, where 182 countries are ranked according to the level of corruption in their public sectors, 0 represents the highest level of corruption, while 100 represents a clean public administration. Turkey, which was in 107th place in 2024, is in 124th place this year, tied in points with Djibouti, Mongolia, Niger, and Uzbekistan.

The report notes that in an assessment of the last 10 years, Turkey's score, which was 50 in 2013, has declined to 31 by 2025, marking a total drop of 19 points during this period. Turkey scored 45 in 2014, 42 in 2015, and continued to slide down the rankings in subsequent years due to consistent point losses. Having scored 40 in 2020, 38 in 2021, and 36 in 2022, Turkey slowed this decline in 2023 and 2024, but entered a downward trend again in 2025.

According to the index's explanations, it is not only Turkey that has experienced a notable loss of points, but also some other countries such as Hungary and Nicaragua. In Transparency International's analysis, it was stated: "This picture points to a structural weakness spanning a decade in mechanisms aimed at maintaining integrity, fueled by democratic backsliding, conflicts, institutional fragility, and established patronage networks." The report emphasized that such negative developments have become permanent and have systematically deepened within political and administrative structures.

On the other hand, compared to the previous year, Turkey fell behind many countries, with the exception of Egypt. Togo, the Philippines, El Salvador, Angola, Ecuador, Laos, and Sri Lanka moved ahead of Turkey this year, while Brazil and Malawi, which were previously at the same score, surpassed Turkey in 2025. Mongolia, Djibouti, and Uzbekistan reached the same level as Turkey with the scores they achieved.

CONCERNING DECLINE IN DEMOCRACIES

Transparency International's statements indicate that a significant weakening in anti-corruption performance is observed not only in autocracies but also in democracies. Serious point losses are also notable in Western democracies such as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and France. The USA saw its lowest level in history with 64 points, and it was reported that negative developments in the political climate have increased the perception of corruption.

According to the results, the top five countries with the cleanest public administration in the world are Denmark (89), Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (81), and Norway (81). The number of countries exceeding 80 points has decreased significantly over the last decade. Sweden and Switzerland are at the top with 80 points; Luxembourg and the Netherlands with 78 points; and Germany and Iceland with 77 points.

Furthermore, it is underlined that countries with high scores on the list are not entirely free of corruption. It is noted that financial centers such as Switzerland and Singapore are targets of international criticism regarding the circulation of illicit money.

"Some governments no longer see fighting corruption as a priority," said Transparency International Chair François Valerian, adding, "Governments may have the impression that they have done everything that needs to be done in the fight against corruption and that they should now turn to other priorities."

The countries at the bottom of the list are mostly those that have been damaged by conflicts and have repressive regimes. Libya, Yemen, and Eritrea remain at 13 points, while Somalia and South Sudan maintain their places at the bottom of the list with 9 points.

On the other hand, some countries such as Albania, Angola, Ivory Coast, Laos, Senegal, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan have climbed higher in the rankings in recent years. Estonia, South Korea, Bhutan, and Seychelles also stand out as countries that have made positive progress in the long term.

In conclusion, the fact that more than two-thirds of the world remains below 50 points sends a message that more effort is needed in the fight against corruption on a global scale.