London/Prague, Feb 21 (CTK) – The Czech Republic slightly improved its position in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2017 after a downfall a year ago, according to the evaluation published by Transparency International (TI) on Wednesday.
However, it is still below the European Union average.
In the TI list, the Czech Republic occupies the 42nd place along with Cyprus, Dominica and Spain.
The CPI evaluates corruption in 180 countries of the world. The first place went to New Zealand, followed by Denmark, Finland, Norway and Switzerland.
According to the CPI, the worst corruption is in Syria, South Sudan and Somalia.
In 2016, the Czech Republic assumed the 47th place along with Cyprus and Malta, but it was 37th a year ago.
The TI gave 57 points to the Czech Republic, two more than in 2016, but eight fewer than the EU average.
The Czech Republic’s improved position was only due to some anti-corruption legislation, such as a change in the financing of parties, an amendment to the conflict of interest law and gambling law, having taken effect last year, the Czech TI branch said.
“Rather than the onset of a positive trend, the Czech Republic’s current position is due to a stagnation in some observed areas. In fact, the outcome could have been better,” Czech TI said.
Negative trends are increasing in the interconnection of political and economic power, it added.
The Czech Republic would be helped to gain a better position by several unpopular, but simple steps, the Czech TI said.
“The political representation must actively advocate the authority of democratic institutions, respecting the division of power, with a stress on independent and professional judiciary and police,” the Czech TI said.
