Poland has experienced a significant decline in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, marking its worst result in 12 years. According to the 2024 ranking, Poland scored 53 points out of 100 (where 0 indicates the highest level of corruption and 100 the lowest). The country now ranks 53rd globally, a notable fall from 47th place in 2023.
Corruption on the Rise?
The Corruption Perceptions Index is a widely recognized metric compiled by Transparency International to gauge how experts and business leaders view the public sector’s integrity in each country. Public opinion is not directly factored into the index. While many European nations have been grappling with lower scores over the past few years, Poland’s drop appears especially steep.
Quotation and Translation
Mariusz Kamiński, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, shared a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with the following statement (original in Polish, followed by the English translation):
“A record-breaking drop for Poland in the Transparency International corruption ranking from 47th to 53rd place for 2024. In the last year, we have been overtaken by, among others, Bahrain, Oman, and Rwanda. Tusk has returned, and with him, corruption.”
The post is accompanied by a map showing the level of corruption across 180 countries included in the study.
Rekordowy spadek Polski w rankingu korupcji Transparency International z 47. na 53. miejsce za 2024 r. W ostatnim roku wyprzedziły nas m. in. Bahrajn, Oman i Rwanda. Tusk wrócił, a wraz z nim korupcja. pic.twitter.com/49W1EpZQKj
— Mariusz Kamiński (@Kaminski_M_) February 18, 2025
Implications for Poland
The news of Poland’s record-low CPI score has sparked concern among observers who view corruption as a key factor undermining trust in government institutions and the country’s international reputation. A lower CPI ranking could potentially deter foreign investors and business partners, who may fear the risks associated with unclear procurement processes or weak transparency controls.
Experts warn that a higher perception of corruption could affect Poland’s standing within the European Union, potentially impacting negotiations on various EU funding programs. “A reputational decline of this magnitude may have real consequences,” notes one regional analyst. “Perception often shapes the global business climate and diplomatic relations.”
Regional Trend
Poland’s downward trajectory coincides with a broader pattern observed in parts of Europe, where inflation, economic pressures, and political tensions have contributed to growing concerns about corruption. Transparency International’s data suggests that wealthier nations are not immune: countries across the continent have either stagnated or dropped in this year’s ranking, reflecting a rise in perceived misuse of public power for private gain.
Political Blame Game
Kamiński’s social media post explicitly links Poland’s corruption woes to the return of former Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Polish politics, suggesting that the previous administration’s policies played a part in the deterioration. Critics of the government, however, argue that the current leadership has not done enough to strengthen transparency and anti-corruption measures.
Outlook
Whether Poland can reverse this trend remains to be seen. Observers note that boosting transparency, safeguarding independent institutions, and ensuring freedom of the press are critical steps for improving a nation’s CPI score. In a globalized economy, where confidence and credibility are vital, Poland’s success in tackling corruption could prove decisive for its future on the world stage.