pdf
This is the sixth consecutive Index marking global declines in the rule of law. This year alone, the rule of law declined in 59% of countries surveyed—including Greece.
Since 2016, rule of law has fallen in 78% of countries studied. The rule of law factor to decline most between 2016 and 2023 is Fundamental Rights—down in 77% of countries,
including Greece.
Over the past seven years, Index scores for Constraints on Government Powers have fallen in 74% of countries—but not in Greece. Around the world, legislatures, judiciaries, and civil society—including the media—have all lost ground on checking executive power, the Index shows.
These and other authoritarian trends continued in 2023, but they are slowing, with fewer countries declining in 2022 and 2023 than in earlier years. Constraints on Government Powers fell in 56% of countries, compared to 58% in 2022 and 70% in 2021. Likewise, a smaller majority of countries saw overall rule of law
declines in this year (59%) as compared to the last two (61% and 74%). A smaller majority of countries (56%) also experienced a decline in Fundamental Rights again this year, compared to 2022 (66%).
On the other hand, declines in the functioning of justice systems are now expanding. Two thirds of countries (66%) saw their Index scores for Civil Justice fall this year, up from 61% of countries last year—including Greece. Greater justice delays and weaker enforcement are largely to blame. Meanwhile, scores for Criminal Justice also fell in slightly more countries this year (56%) than last year (55%).
Greece ranks 47th out of 142 countries worldwide.
Regionally, Greece ranks 29th out of 31 countries in European Union, European Free Trade Association, and North America.* The region’s top performer is Denmark (ranked 1st out of 142 globally), followed by Norway and Finland. The three countries with the lowest scores in the region are Greece, Bulgaria, and Hungary (73rd globally).
In the last year, 16 out of 31 countries declined in the European Union, European Free
Trade Association, and North America. Of those 16 countries, seven had also declined in
the previous year.
Among high income countries, Greece ranks 41st out of 46.
For more detailed information download the full text of the report and visit the detailed results page for Greece.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate
