The recent release of Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index has sparked debate, particularly in Hungary, where citizens are questioning the validity of the rankings. Hungary finds itself tied for 82nd place alongside countries like Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Cuba. This has led many Hungarians to dismiss the findings, arguing that the level of corruption in their country does not compare to the severe issues faced by these nations.
In South Africa, for instance, rampant corruption has resulted in power outages due to mismanagement at the national utility company. Burkina Faso, on the other hand, is under military rule following a series of coups and is grappling with jihadist violence. Hungarians are skeptical that their daily lives reflect such levels of corruption, suggesting that the rankings should not be taken at face value.
A recent Eurobarometer survey indicates that Hungarians have a high level of confidence in their country’s anti-corruption measures, ranking seventh in the European Union. This contrasts sharply with Transparency International’s findings, which suggest Hungary should be at the bottom of the list. While some may argue for a middle ground, even a hypothetical 17th place would be far from the company of countries like Burkina Faso.
The situation is similar in Slovakia, which recently elected a new government that has adopted a more sovereigntist stance. Slovakia dropped significantly in the Transparency rankings, which some attribute to its government’s opposition to certain EU policies.
Critics of Transparency International point to its funding sources, which include USAID, the European Commission, and the Open Society Foundation. They argue that these affiliations could influence the rankings, suggesting a bias against countries that do not align with progressive-liberal values.
Freedom House, another organization that assesses global freedoms, has also placed Hungary in the "Partly Free" category, a designation it shares with countries like Mexico and Nigeria. The funding for Freedom House comes from similar sources, raising questions about the objectivity of its assessments.
The Economist’s democracy index categorizes many Central European nations, including Hungary, as "flawed democracies." However, critics argue that even countries considered "full democracies," like the United Kingdom and Germany, are facing challenges such as speech restrictions and political opposition suppression.
These rankings have real-world implications for EU member states, as they can affect financial support from Brussels. Hungary is currently facing financial penalties due to its ranking, and Slovakia may soon find itself in a similar position.
In summary, the latest corruption rankings have ignited a debate about their accuracy and fairness, especially in Hungary and Slovakia. As citizens in these countries express skepticism about the assessments, the influence of funding sources and political biases remains a crucial part of the discussion.