Qatar’s government continues to be among the most trustworthy in the Middle East, according to an annual index that measures perceived levels of public sector corruption in 175 countries/territories around the world.
Qatar moved up two spots this year in the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index, coming in at 26th, compared to 28th last year.
But it trailed the UAE by a hair, which at 25th was deemed the least corrupt MENA country this year. In 2012, the two nations shared the top spot and the same ranking of 27th.
The other Gulf states trailed far behind this year, but were still considered among the least corrupt countries in the region, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia ranking 55th, Oman 64th and Kuwait 67th.
In terms of the overall index, Denmark, New Zealand and Finland took the top spots, while the Middle East hosted three of the bottom 10 countries – Iraq, Libya and Sudan.
The report stated that in the Middle East, political corruption remains the biggest challenge:
“Ruling elites have concentrated power with small groups blurring the distinction of separation of powers, which spill into decision-making processes that affect millions of citizens.
Political elites in the region have systematically abused their authority and operate with often startling levels of impunity. They have safeguarded their personal interests through undue influence and networks of patronage.”
Global corruption
To determine its findings, the Berlin-based Transparency International surveys governance and business analysts on the likelihood of bribery and the accountability of public officials in different countries.
In a statement, the organization’s chair, José Ugaz, said countries on both ends of the spectrum have plenty of work ahead.
“Countries at the bottom need to adopt radical anti-corruption measures in favour of their people. Countries at the top of the index should make sure they don’t export corrupt practices to underdeveloped countries.”
Here’s the full report:
Thoughts?
Libya and Sudan are middle eastern countries?
MENA is Middle East North Africa which covers pretty much all of the Arab countries
Yes. Same as Australia is an Asian country.
Does this include the award of football tournaments?
No those were gifts.. Very different things! lol
Even the Gas deal with the government of Thailand for votes was totally an ethical behavior
haha Qatar, shameless! lol
LOL I guess they give wide latitude on the meaning of corrupt.
Best damn thing about this place 🙂
When you have monopolies then you have to expect corruption.
If you pay public servants well then you are unlikely to get much corruption
Yet, some well paid public servants do not provide service the way they should. I don’t mind tipping a staff to get the job done ( legally ), instead of waiting at a desk where the staff don’t provide service because no management would care !
Not that mgt dont care but they cant act because of wasta.
Honestly I think they ARE fairly well paid. Plus got a 60% raise just a couple yrs ago.
hmmm Admin, I have a feeling that article was scheduled for publishing on April first?
Notice the top 10 even 20 are democratic ..hmmm.. no absolute regime …any way being the best in Mena for corruption is like being the best in Africa for swimming championships…you are the best of the worst! But credit to Qatar for scoring so high, well done.