The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for Armenia based on 2025 results was recently published. Once again, Armenia shows no progress and has even recorded a one-point regression—from 47 to 46. In other words, the perception of corruption in society has not changed.
Stagnation in Perceptions—Behind the Numbers
According to Varuzhan Hoktanian, an expert from Transparency International’s Anti-Corruption Center, the decline recorded in 2025 compared to 2024 falls within the margin of statistical error, making it impossible to claim that the level of corruption has significantly changed. “If we put it mathematically, we can say that it is likely the corruption situation has not changed. This means that the perception of corruption continues to remain at the same level,” he noted. Hoktanian observed that, in a temporal context, after a noticeable increase in 2018–2019, the index declined and stabilized around 46–47 points. In his assessment, this indicates stagnation in perceptions. At the same time, he emphasized that if we accept a certain correlation between the actual level of corruption and its perception, we can also speak of an overall stagnation in the corruption situation. “We have no right to say that the situation has improved or worsened: we can only record stagnation,” the expert added.
Institutional Foundations Exist, Results Are Not Visible
Hoktanian recalled that in recent years, several anti-corruption bodies have been established: the Corruption Prevention Commission, the Anti-Corruption Committee, anti-corruption courts, and a department for confiscating illegally acquired property operates within the Prosecutor’s Office. According to him, the necessary institutional foundations have been formed, and what remained was to ensure their effective operation. However, the fact that the index has not changed indicates that these steps have not impacted perceptions. The expert stressed that the Corruption Perceptions Index does not reflect the opinions of ordinary citizens but is based on assessments from business representatives and experts, including those studying the region and having practical ties to Armenia. “If their perceptions have not changed, it means the implemented measures have not yielded tangible results,” he noted.
Expectations and Socio-Psychological Factors
In Hoktanian’s view, the perception of corruption is a deep socio-psychological phenomenon largely driven by expectations. He said that in 2018–2019, there were high expectations regarding the fight against corruption, fueled in part by public demand. He recalled that surveys from that time showed about 40% of citizens who took to the streets citing the poor state of corruption as the main reason. This demand created high expectations, but the subsequent lack of progress led to a sense of stagnation.
Below 50 Points—A Risky Threshold for Development
The expert also highlighted that international research shows: if the Corruption Perceptions Index is below 50, corruption is considered a serious problem in that country, with a negative impact on development. According to him, corruption exists in all countries worldwide, but the difference lies in whether it hinders the overall development vector. “In countries where the index is above 50, corruption does not affect the country’s overall development direction. Whereas with a score below 50, its impact is significant,” Hoktanian noted. In this context, he concluded that the numerous steps taken in the framework of the anti-corruption struggle have not yet led to a result that would change the perceptions of the business and expert community regarding Armenia.