According to TV2, the latest report from Transparency International shows that Denmark has retained its position as the least corrupt country in the world in terms of public sector, for the seventh consecutive year. The report, which measures perceived levels of corruption in 180 countries, is based on survey data from investors, businesspeople, and market analysts.
The head of the Danish branch of the organization, Jesper Olsen, told TV2: “I think most Danes can recognize this reality in their daily lives. We don’t need to pay extra money when visiting the doctor or in our dealings with the police.”
Decline in some indicators
Despite maintaining its high ranking, the report reveals that Denmark has declined in some areas, while other indicators have improved. Denmark scored 90 out of 100 points for the third consecutive year, with the highest score reflecting a lower level of corruption.
Olsen also explained to the source that the analysis could be divided into two tracks:
1. The systemic path: related to how to hold the authorities accountable for the use of public funds, and this is where Denmark has fallen short.
2. The personal track: This relates to the level of bribery, where Denmark achieved positive results indicating a low level of corruption in this aspect.
Olsen noted that some reports issued by state auditors contain criticisms, particularly regarding the defense sector, which may explain some of this decline.
Transparency is an important factor
When Denmark is compared to its neighbors like Sweden and Norway, these countries score lower, suggesting higher levels of perceived corruption. However, Olsen explains that these results may reflect a different culture in terms of transparency and openness to discussing structural problems.
He added:
“The more open a country is in addressing its problems, the greater the chances of discovering cases of corruption, which may give the impression that there is more corruption than actually exists.”
The impact of public events on perceptions of corruption
Olsen explained that public awareness of corruption is influenced by major events that make headlines. For example, during the Danske Bank money laundering scandal, the percentage of citizens who believed corruption was widespread in Denmark increased. Once the case faded from the media spotlight, this perception declined again.
World Ranking
Denmark was followed by Finland and Singapore in second and third place respectively as the least corrupt countries in the public sector.
