Israel 33rd of 180 countries in NGO's survey-based index; Denmark, Sweden found to be "clean."
By DAN IZENBERGmoney corruption 298.88(photo credit: Courtesy: SXC)
Israelis' opinions of the level of corruption in the country have deteriorated this year and the country has fallen in international ratings as a result, according to the local branch of Transparency International.
The results of this year's survey, which measures the way residents of 180 countries perceive the level of corruption in their country, were released Tuesday morning.
Israel ended up in a tie with the Dominican Republic for 33rd place, receiving a score of 6.0.
Last year, Israelis' perception of corruption here was slightly more encouraging. It scored 6.1 on the TI scale and was ranked 30th.
Cyprus and Qatar moved ahead of Israel during the past year, while the Dominican Republic, which was 0.5 points behind last year, caught up with it.
Denmark and New Zealand led the pack for at least the second time in a row with ratings of 9.3. Other countries in the top 10 included Sweden, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Holland, Australia and Canada.
Galia Saguy, head of the Israeli branch of Transparency International, said in response to the survey, "the Israeli result in the ratings proves that at this point the fight against corruption is not bearing fruit. We must continue the struggle and understand that only when the public judges its representatives and public officials according to ethical, rather than legal standards, will we be able to bring about true change.
"This change will gain expression in the economic situation of the country and the well-being of its inhabitants."
if(catID != 151){
var cont = `Take Israel home with the new Jerusalem Post Store
