Malta’s standing on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 has worsened, with the country dropping ten places to 65th out of 180 countries, according to the latest report by Transparency International.

Malta’s score fell from 51 to 46 points, marking a significant decline and placing it among the worst-performing EU member states.

Only Hungary and Bulgaria ranked lower, while Malta is now on par with Romania.

According to Transparency International, the decline was largely influenced by the prosecution of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, along with several ex-ministers and public officials over alleged corruption in the Vitals hospitals deal.

The CPI is a leading global indicator of public sector corruption, compiling data from 13 external sources to provide an annual snapshot of how corruption is perceived across the world.

Transparency International regional advisors Flora Cresswell, Lidija Prokic, and Altynai Myrzabekova warned that Europe’s efforts to combat corruption are falling short.

They also highlighted that over two-thirds of countries now score below the mid-point on the CPI, with severe consequences for global governance and climate action.

Featured image: Pierre Ellul

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