The latest Corruption Perceptions Index reveals alarming declines in anti-corruption efforts across various democracies, with notable drops for the US and UK, marking their lowest rankings ever. A concerning trend emerges as democracies, including Israel and Greece, show signs of deteriorating leadership and increased corruption. The index indicates that the US has slid to 29th place due to democratic backsliding, while Turkey and Belarus also experience significant declines, reinforcing the narrative of a global corruption surge. Transparency International underscores the need for strengthened leadership within Europe and a renewed commitment to combating corruption across the globe.