Sweden Faces Significant Drop in Transparency International's 2026 Corruption Index

Sweden's ranking and score in Transparency International's 2026 Corruption Perceptions Index have sharply declined, with the country now at its lowest level in a decade. Sweden scored 80 out of 100 this year, where a higher score denotes less corruption, marking a notable fall from 89 points recorded ten years ago. Ranking sixth among 182 countries, Sweden has seen a nine-point drop since 2015, the most significant decline within the Nordic region.

Key factors driving this downturn include the rise of organized crime, insufficient transparency in public procurement processes involving over one trillion SEK, and concerns over conflicts of interest among public decision-makers. Organized crime poses a serious threat to Sweden's welfare system, often infiltrating and exploiting businesses as tools for criminal activities, according to expert Ulrik Åshuvud. Transparency issues have also emerged in public contracts management, where instances of corruption have been noted. Additionally, political integrity was questioned in the lead-up to the 2022 elections after revelations that five out of eight parliamentary parties were willing to accept secret campaign donations.

Transparency International urges Sweden to accelerate efforts against corruption, especially by establishing a national procurement database to enhance openness and accountability in government operations. The Swedish government has responded with proposals and legislative changes aimed at tackling corruption and has committed to a national action plan, though experts stress that more comprehensive actions are critical for reversing the current trend.

This decline highlights serious challenges for Swedish governance and public trust, emphasizing the need for strengthened anti-corruption measures to restore integrity and maintain the country's reputation on the global stage.