Turkey Ranks Lower in Corruption Perceptions Index

Transparency International released its Corruption Perceptions Index for the year of 2014. 

According to the results, Turkey fell 5 points and 11 ranks compared to 2013, remaining under 50 points. Turkey also marked the country with the most point loss among 175 countries worldwide. 

Transparency International Turkey Chairperson Emine Oya Özarslan said that the fall is related to corruption probe, media bans and interventions to judges. 

“Turkey fell from 50 points to 45. This is a regression after 6 years of progress,” she said. 

Transparency International: Promotes culture of impunity 

Claiming that the fall in Turkey became a problem of democracy, free thought and expression freedom, Transparency International Turkey emphasized that a culture of impunity and immunization was formed in fast-growing economies like Turkey. 

“This situation will have a direct impact on local and international companies in Turkey as it will increase Turkey’s risk as a country. It must be remembered that it is inevitable to have unhealthy growth and production with higher cost in countries with no culture of transparency. It hurts the economy of the country and its people.  

“Looking at Corruption Perceptions Index from 1995, Turkey is remaining at its position in terms of rank and points. This situation points out that Turkey’s issues on transparency are cronical and no steps are taken toward improvement. 

“The results of 2014 Index underlines the existence of significant faults in order to increase its economical and societal development. In this context, the results of the index should be interpreted to make progress on the fight against corruption and transparency. Officials must make concrete steps as soon as possible.” (EA/BM)

* Click here to read the full report in English.  

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.