Mexico Ranks Low in Corruption Perception Index

With a score of 26 out of 100, Mexico ranked 140th out of 180 nations assessed in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), marking its lowest score since the index began. The results place Mexico in a challenging position, ranking last among the 38 members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Within the G20, Mexico is ahead of only Russia, which scored 22 points. In Latin America, Mexico ranks below Brazil (34) and Chile (63), while surpassing Guatemala (25) and Paraguay (24).

The CPI's findings are based on 13 independent sources that compiled data from 2023 and 2024. By incorporating multiple measurements over two years, the index aims to provide a comprehensive assessment that is not unduly influenced by isolated events or scandals. Rather than focusing on individual cases, the CPI tracks long-term trends in corruption.

Transparencia Mexicana identified several key factors contributing to Mexico's ranking. A major issue is the ongoing uncertainty regarding anti-corruption and judicial reforms. “The lack of transparency and clarity in implementing these reforms has raised concerns among experts and the public.”

Another significant challenge is the continued impunity in high-profile corruption cases. Investigations into cases such as Odebrecht, PEMEX Agronitrogenados, the "Estafa Maestra," and SEGALMEX remain unresolved, with no meaningful accountability or penalties for those involved. Mexico also faces limited administrative sanctions, with only 8.4% sanctions of the 3,350 administrative proceedings initiated since 2017.

 “The results of the 2024 Corruption Perception Index reflect the demands from Mexican society: the government must take more decisive action to address corruption in Mexico,” stated Transparencia Mexicana.

In response to these findings, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her administration will investigate potential irregularities within the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI). In addition, she stressed that the public’s perception diverges from this ranking. She emphasized that, due to the country’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, tax revenue has nearly doubled without the need for a fiscal reform. "Fortunately, the public’s perception is different. How can it be explained that tax collection nearly doubled from 18 to 24 without a fiscal reform?" said Claudia Sheinbaum.