Corruption Epidemic Spreads Across Andean Countries

A recent report reveals a shocking decline in trust in institutions across Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador, as corruption pervades every level of government.

Ecuador’s Corruption Crisis

Ecuador has seen the largest increase in perceptions of corruption, with a staggering 78% of respondents believing that most or all members of its National Assembly are involved in corrupt practices. The judiciary and prosecutors have suffered the biggest blow, with 37- and 33-point increases, respectively, in the percentage of respondents who believe that most or all actors engage in corrupt practices.

Only 26% of respondents report that most or all teachers are involved in corrupt practices, making them one of the few institutions trusted by the public.
Respondents were more likely to pay bribes to request government permits than for any other reason.

Trust in Institutions at an All-Time Low

Trust in institutions has plummeted across the region. In Ecuador:

Only 35% of respondents trust people living in their country, down from 59% in 2017.
The lowest levels of trust are found in local government officers, with only 14% of respondents reporting that they have some or a lot of trust.

Crime and Security Concerns

The report also sheds light on the region’s crime problem. On average:

Roughly one-third (34%) of all respondents surveyed reported experiencing a crime in the last 12 months.
In Ecuador, 41% of respondents reported experiencing a crime, with over half (59%) not reporting it to the authorities due to a lack of confidence in the system.

Perception of Security and Criminal Justice

Only 21% of Ecuadorians feel safe walking in their neighborhood at night, down from 40% in 2017. Perceptions of the criminal justice system’s overall performance have deteriorated across all Andean countries, with Ecuador experiencing the largest decline.

Conclusion

This report paints a grim picture of corruption and mistrust in institutions across Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. The findings are a stark reminder that urgent action is needed to address these issues and restore public confidence in government.