Story perspectives

France's Corruption Index Hits Lowest Point Since 2012

2/11/2026

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France's Corruption Decline

France's Corruption Perceptions Index score dropped to 66 in 2025, its worst since 2012.
Cases involving ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and Marine Le Pen contributed to the decline.
Transparency International's Florent Clouet says there is a lack of political will to combat corruption, with lawmakers offering no anti-corruption initiatives.
Public trust in politics fell to 22% in 2025, a 4-point drop from the prior year, signaling a broader trend in established democracies.

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Israel's Corruption Decline

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index shows a decline in anti-corruption measures, with Israel's score dropping to 62 from 64 and ranking 35th out of 182.
The report highlights concerns about democratic values and misuse of authority in Israel.
Transparency International notes that 31 countries improved since 2012 while 50 deteriorated.
The average score fell to 42, lowest in a decade, underscoring the need for stronger political leadership and independent oversight.

History

Historical Context

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), established by Transparency International in 1995, assesses public sector corruption globally. In 2012, the CPI reported a global average score of 43, with France at 70 and Israel at 64. Recent declines in these scores reflect a troubling trend in established democracies, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to restore public trust and accountability in governance.

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France's Corruption Decline

France's Corruption Perceptions Index score dropped to 66 in 2025, its worst since 2012.
Cases involving ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and Marine Le Pen contributed to the decline.
Transparency International's Florent Clouet says there is a lack of political will to combat corruption, with lawmakers offering no anti-corruption initiatives.
Public trust in politics fell to 22% in 2025, a 4-point drop from the prior year, signaling a broader trend in established democracies.

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