In this article, Roberto Abdenur comments on the results of the 2012 world ranking of perception of corruption released earlier this month by Transparency International.

As we have said on other occasions, Brazil has made efforts to reduce corruption, both in the public and private sectors. It seems that the efforts are being perceived by the population. The non-governmental organization Transparency International has just released another worldwide perception of corruption. In this year's ranking, Brazil was in 69th place. In 2011, it was in 73rd place.

Brazil is in a median position, among the 176 countries analyzed. The first three, where the perception of corruption in the public sector is lower, are Denmark, Finland and New Zealand. The last three, with the perception of greater corruption, are Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia.

But the country stands out from its peers. Although it is well behind Chile and Uruguay (both in 20th place), on the continent it is ahead of Peru (83rd) and Argentina (102nd). Regarding the Brics, it was tied with South Africa, but ahead of China (80th place), India (94th) and Russia (133rd).

We should celebrate. Although there was a change in the formula for preparing the ranking, the fact is that we Brazilians are more aware that the chain of corruption involves two sides. The ongoing trial by the STF shows that the public authorities and the private sector tend to be together in corruption. Thus, it is up to all of us, citizens, the role of caring for business ethics. Ever.