Armenia faces significant corruption challenges, as reflected in its score on Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). With a score of 47 out of 100, Armenia ranks 62nd out of 180 countries. Although there have been some positive steps towards reducing corruption, such as efforts post-2018 Velvet Revolution, the implementation of new anti-corruption measures has been limited.
Key Issues
- Public Sector Corruption: Despite attempts to curb corruption, public sector corruption remains pervasive. This includes bribery, misuse of public funds, and undue influence over judicial and administrative processes.
- Judicial Independence: The judiciary in Armenia often lacks the independence necessary to effectively combat corruption, with significant political interference impacting its operations.
- Law Enforcement: Anti-corruption agencies often struggle with limited powers and resources, hindering their ability to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases effectively.
Efforts and Challenges
Armenia’s government has made strides towards improving transparency and accountability, but the pace of reform is slow. The need for stronger institutional frameworks, better enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and enhanced public awareness and participation in governance is crucial for sustainable progress.
Conclusion
Armenia’s corruption score reflects ongoing challenges but also points to opportunities for improvement. Strengthening judicial independence, empowering anti-corruption agencies, and fostering a culture of transparency are essential steps for Armenia to advance in its fight against corruption.