Mexico Scores Lowest Ever in Global Corruption Perception Index

Transparency Mexicana revealed that Mexico faces ongoing challenges in combating corruption, scoring 26 out of 100 in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index.

This marks the country’s lowest score since the organization began measuring corruption levels. Ranked 140th out of 180 countries, Mexico’s position highlights significant concerns about governance and accountability.

This performance places it below Brazil, which, despite its own record-low score of 34, ranked 107th. For Mexico to fare worse than Brazil—a country where corruption is deeply entrenched in public and private sectors—underscores the severity of its governance crisis.

The data, derived from 13 independent sources covering 2023 and 2024, places Mexico last among the 38 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Within the G20, Mexico fares slightly better than Russia, which scored 22 points. In Latin America, it surpasses Guatemala (25/100) and Paraguay (24/100) but lags behind Chile (63/100).

Key Factors Contributing to Poor Performance

Transparency Mexicana emphasized that the index measures trends rather than isolated scandals, aiming to provide a broader view of corruption perceptions. However, five critical factors contribute to Mexico‘s poor performance:

1. Uncertainty over anti-corruption reforms and judicial changes: Lack of clarity in implementing reforms has raised concerns among experts and citizens alike.

2. Impunity in high-profile cases: Investigations into scandals like Odebrecht, Pemex Agronitrogenados, La Estafa Maestra, and Segalmex remain unresolved without firm sanctions.

3. Low administrative penalties: Of the 3,350 administrative cases initiated since 2017, only 8.4% have resulted in sanctions.

4. Corruption linked to organized crime: Numerous cases document collusion between local governments and criminal organizations.

5. Irregular government contracts: Despite oversight mechanisms, contracts continue to be awarded to “phantom” companies.

Transparency Mexicana stated that these issues reflect systemic weaknesses requiring urgent government action. The organization underscored the public’s demand for more effective anti-corruption measures.

Globally, Venezuela (10/100), Somalia (9/100), and South Sudan (8/100) ranked as the most corrupt nations, while Denmark (90/100), Finland (88/100), and Singapore (84/100) led as the least corrupt. These results highlight the stark disparities in governance worldwide.

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for stronger institutional frameworks in Mexico to address corruption comprehensively and restore public trust in governance systems.