Portugal has recorded its lowest ever position in the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 48th worldwide in the 2025 edition of the annual assessment published Transparency International. The country received 56 points, confirming a downward trend that has intensified over the past four years and placing it behind several countries that previously ranked lower.
The index, released on 10 February 2026, measures perceived levels of public sector corruption based on expert assessments and business surveys. Portugal now shares its ranking position with Grenada and Costa Rica. It is also positioned below countries such as Botswana, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia, according to the latest data.
Transparency International Portugal has linked the decline to what it describes as institutional weakening and ongoing public distrust. José Fontão, president of the national chapter, stated that the deterioration in Portugal’s score reflects broader concerns about governance standards, accountability and the management of public funds. He pointed to the rise of populist rhetoric and a succession of high profile judicial investigations involving public officials and political parties as factors shaping public perception.
A detailed breakdown of the index suggests that Portugal’s lower score was influenced in part negative evaluations in international governance benchmarks, including The Economist’s assessments of government accountability and public financial oversight. Analysts argue that these perceptions can have tangible consequences for foreign investment decisions and the country’s long term economic competitiveness.
The report warns that sustained perceptions of corruption may weaken institutional credibility and discourage capital inflows. Experts emphasize that rebuilding trust requires consistent policy enforcement, transparent public administration and effective oversight mechanisms. The role of MENAC, Portugal’s National Anti Corruption Mechanism, has been highlighted as central to restoring confidence in the integrity of public institutions.
In response to the findings, the Government issued a statement through the Ministry of Justice stressing that the index does not fully capture recent legislative reforms. Officials underscored that the Anti Corruption Agenda approved in June 2024 includes 42 measures, of which 17 have already been implemented. Among these are strengthened asset forfeiture mechanisms targeting proceeds derived from criminal activity.
The Executive also noted that international indices often rely on evaluation cycles that may not immediately reflect policy changes or structural reforms adopted in the past year. Government representatives reiterated their commitment to transparency and confirmed that a detailed progress report on anti corruption measures will be presented to the Assembly of the Republic in the coming months.
The latest ranking places Portugal at a critical juncture as it seeks to balance institutional reform with economic stability. The debate over governance standards and accountability continues to shape political discourse, while international observers monitor whether legislative changes translate into measurable improvements in public sector integrity.
