We are seeing a downward trend in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), said Kalin Slavov of Transparency International Bulgaria in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
On the “Neshto Poveche” show (Something More), he commented on the results of the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.
According to the analysis, Bulgaria’s score is 43 out of a possible 100.
“We are in a high-risk zone, at the bottom of the EU, and only Hungary is performing worse than we are,” Mr. Slavov said.
He explained that the CPI’s ranking is often criticized for its use of the term “perception.”
“And the skeptics talk about subjectivism. But these are 13 global studies by the World Economic Forum and the World Bank that provide interesting insights: social, economic, and political, that are quite in-depth and multifaceted. And based on them, we compile our corruption index, which has been measured in our country since 1998,” said Mr. Slavov.
He pointed out that there is a paradox with the index:
“Unfortunately, in the years following our accession to the EU, a paradox emerged: a decline in this index, and we have been hovering between 45 and 41 points. I attribute this to the fact that, on the eve of our accession to the EU, our politicians were more disciplined both in upholding the law and in adhering to democratic principles. On the eve of adopting the euro, I fear that fiscal discipline and macroeconomic indicators may begin to decline following our accession to the Eurozone.”
Kalin Slavov noted that there has been a decline in Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden as well.
“I attribute this to the looming economic crisis and the rise of authoritarianism on a global scale, which is also reflected in Europe. There is a growing trend toward parties and politicians whose values are incompatible with democratic principles,” he commented.
According to Mr. Slavov, the cabinet of Prime Minister Zhelyazkov can handle the situation, but not with a magic wand.