In 2018, the perception of corruption in public institutions increased in all countries in the region, except Panama, where it remained the same as in 2017, and El Salvador, where it slightly decreased.

As in previous years, Nicaragua’s public sector continues to be considered the most corrupt in the region (level of transparency 25 on a scale of 0 to 100), followed by Guatemala (27), Honduras (29), El Salvador (35), Panama (37), and Costa Rica (56).

See: “Corruption as a Habit”

Transparency International stresses that “… With a 25 score, Nicaragua has lost four points in the CPI in the last seven years. This significant drop reflects the political landscape and recent events in the country. After more than a decade in power, President Daniel Ortega controls most of Nicaragua’s democratic institutions, limiting their effectiveness and independence. In recent years, the President has also reduced the political rights of his citizens, who, despite facing violent repression, have taken to the streets in large numbers to protest his authoritarian government. Recently, several journalists and activists have been forced to leave the country because of threats they were receiving.”

“… Despite still being at low levels, El Salvador, with 35 points, has improved 2 points from 2017. In this country, the judicial sector is promoting the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases committed by high-level individuals, including ex-presidents.”

Also see: “What Central America is Losing Due to Corruption”

The report explains that in Guatemala President Jimmy Morales is one of the governments of the Americas that has a leadership that tends to “…

• block free and independent media, especially when questioning leaders’ messages
• control and silence civil society and international organizations;
• intensify the use of voting suppression and voter disqualification
• use a language that is more xenophobic, racist and contrary to the LGTB collective.
• make public promises based on simplistic and “hard hand” approaches to solving complex social problems
• weaken the system of checks and balances and increase the power of the executive;
• increase in conflicts of interest and private influence.“

See Transparency International report for the Americas.