The World Justice Project (WJP) report has placed the country in that position, but the MAS movement rejected the study
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Bolivia has been rated as the most corrupt nation in Latin America and the second most corrupt country worldwide. This is established by the 2024 Rule of Law Index prepared by the World Justice Project.
This report places the country in 141st place out of 142 nations evaluated. Only the Republic of the Congo ranks lower, according to the score obtained. The data has caused national and international concern.
The WJP index measures the absence of corruption in different branches of the State. It evaluates the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, as well as the police and military forces. Bolivia's overall score is 0.23 out of 1, one of the lowest in the world.
This result is below countries such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Cambodia. The report exposes a structural weakness in Bolivian institutions.
In the judicial sphere, Bolivia ranks 140th, which represents its most critical point. Corruption in the Police and Army was ranked 137th. The Executive was placed in 131st and the Legislative in 120th.
All sectors present alarming indicators. Corruption appears to be widespread throughout the state structure.
According to him, corruption was institutionalized under a discourse of fighting against it. The WJP study would reflect that process.
Herrera also mentioned the "consortium" case as an example of judicial corruption. In that case, former judges and magistrates are being investigated for allegedly steering rulings. Even former Minister of Justice, César Siles, is involved.
This case revealed an internal network of manipulation within the judicial system. For the analyst, it is evidence of institutional collapse.
MAS emphatically rejected the results of the WJP report. Minister of Justice, Jessica Saravia, questioned the methodology used.
She stated that the evaluation of a foreign NGO can't be considered valid. She insisted that Bolivia is evaluated by serious organizations such as the OECD. She said that those data are more reliable.
Saravia highlighted that Bolivia obtained 67% in regulatory criteria according to the OECD. She also pointed out 100% compliance in rules on conflicts of interest. In access to information, the country reportedly achieved 64% compliance.
She also highlighted the public reporting systems that the State has. She considered that this reflects progress in transparency.
The ruling party has disqualified the report
Viceministra, Susana Ríos
The Vice Ministry of Transparency also criticized the WJP report. Deputy Minister Susana Ríos stated that such different countries can't be compared. She mentioned that Bolivia can't be measured by the same standard as Norway.
In her opinion, the report ignores very diverse political and social realities. She considered that the document is not technically objective.
Ríos defended the policies implemented by the Government in anti-corruption matters. She mentioned the application of laws such as 1390 and the Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz Law. She indicated that Bolivia has signed international agreements in this area.
She also added that authorities accused are being investigated and prosecuted. She also assured that there is accountability in the state apparatus.
The document shows the country's moral deterioration
Palacio de Justicia en Santa Cruz
Despite the Government's arguments, WJP data caused public alarm. Several civil sectors expressed their outrage at the results. Citizens are demanding greater transparency and justice at all levels.
The report has once again put the credibility of institutions up for debate. Many believe that the country is experiencing a deep crisis of legality.
According to the WJP, three forms of corruption were evaluated in all branches of the State. These are bribery, embezzlement, and undue influence.
The data were obtained through surveys and expert analysis. Variables such as citizen perception and institutional performance were cross-referenced. The approach was comprehensive and applied to all countries evaluated.
MAS has reiterated that it fights corruption and that there are concrete advances. However, the results of the report weaken that official narrative. The contradiction between the Government and international data has become evident.
The study shows a perception of widespread corruption in all sectors. It leaves Bolivia in a poor position on the global stage.
The consolidation of crime
La ministra de Justicia, Jessica Saravia, cuestionó el informe
While the ruling party denounces an alleged smear campaign, the data persist. No MAS authority has explained why Bolivia obtained such a low score.
Citizens continue to wait for real reforms that do not remain mere rhetoric. Corruption, according to experts, is not a perception but a consolidated structure. Institutional legitimacy is now more questioned than ever.
In this scenario, civil organizations are calling for independent audits. They also demand that oversight bodies be strengthened without political interference. The fight against corruption can't be based solely on official propaganda.
