Latvia has climbed two places in the latest World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, although further improvements are needed, particularly in combating corruption and strengthening the criminal justice system, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Latvia ranks 19th among 143 countries and jurisdictions assessed in the index.
The country ranks ahead of France, Spain, the United States and Italy, reinforcing its position among the world’s most developed democracies, according to the ministry.
Latvia’s overall score reached 0.75 on a scale from 0 to 1 this year, representing an increase of 1.6% compared with the previous year.
Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns of the United List (AS) noted that global trends indicate a continued weakening of the rule of law, with growing pressure on democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Against this background, Latvia’s ability to strengthen the rule of law is particularly important, he said.
At the same time, Smiltēns stressed that a high position in the index does not eliminate the need to address existing shortcomings and ensure that individuals and businesses can defend their rights more easily and quickly.
The report indicates that more than 86% of the countries assessed have experienced a sustained deterioration in at least one key indicator of democratic protection over the past five years.
These indicators include constraints on government powers, open government and fundamental rights.
According to the Ministry of Justice, Latvia is not among the countries experiencing such deterioration.
The ministry also highlighted that Latvia’s performance in freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and public participation has not declined, despite widespread deterioration in these areas globally.
In the latest index, Latvia received its highest rankings in the protection of fundamental rights and government transparency, placing 17th worldwide in both categories.
These areas assess respect for individual rights and freedoms, access to government information and opportunities for public participation in decision-making.
Progress has also been recorded in the civil justice system, where Latvia’s score has improved by 9.4% since 2021, placing the country 18th globally this year.
This category evaluates the ability of individuals and businesses to protect their rights, access to courts, judicial impartiality and the effectiveness of dispute resolution.
However, the Ministry of Justice acknowledges that several areas still require improvement.
Latvia ranks 26th worldwide in the absence of corruption category and 21st in the criminal justice system assessment.
Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden occupy the leading positions in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.
The index is an annual international study that assesses the state of the rule of law across 143 countries and jurisdictions.
It is based on public surveys and evaluations by legal experts, examining eight key dimensions of the rule of law.