Turkey Falls to 118th in Global Rule of Law Index

Turkey has recorded one of its sharpest declines in rule of law worldwide, dropping 38 places over the past ten years according to the World Justice Project’s (WJP) 2025 Rule of Law Index released on Tuesday.

In 2015, Turkey ranked 80th, but after years of steady decline, it now sits at 118th out of 143 countries, with a score of 0.41 — one of the lowest in its history. This score places Turkey 14th among 15 Eastern Europe & Central Asia countries and 37th among 41 upper-middle-income economies.

A Decade of Decline in Rule of Law

The WJP Index evaluates countries based on eight key pillars — limitations on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice — with scores ranging from 0 (weakest) to 1 (strongest).

Turkey’s steady fall since 2015 (0.46 → 0.41) shows a systemic erosion of judicial independence and democratic checks.

The 2016 coup attempt marked a pivotal year: Turkey’s ranking fell 19 places to 99th, as emergency decrees and purges reshaped the judiciary. Since then, the decline has continued almost every year.

Fundamental Rights Plunge 38 Ranks

In the “Fundamental Rights” category — which covers freedom of expression, belief, and association; right to fair trial; protection from discrimination; privacy; and labor rights — Turkey ranked 134th out of 143 countries.

A decade ago, it stood at 96th. This 38-point fall highlights a deepening erosion of civil liberties and freedoms across the country.

Weak Checks on Power

In the category “Constraints on Government Powers”, which measures how well courts and independent bodies can hold the executive legally accountable, Turkey now ranks 136th — a 41-place drop since 2015.

After 2016, its score plunged sharply as judicial oversight mechanisms weakened and power concentrated within the executive branch.

“This decline shows serious challenges to the separation of powers and accountability,” the WJP noted.

Among the Steepest Global Declines in 2025

Between 2024 and 2025, Turkey’s index score fell by 1.9%, making it the second-worst performer globally, after Serbia.
Other major declines were recorded in Hungary (-2.0%), Mexico (-2.8%), Sudan (-4.4%), and Russia (-4.9%).

In contrast, countries such as the Dominican Republic (+2.1%), Senegal, and Bangladesh showed measurable improvements.

Europe: Sharp Contrast Across the Continent

Within the EU, Bulgaria and Hungary rank lowest, while Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Estonia remain among the top 10 globally.
According to Alicia Evangelides, Director of the Rule of Law Index, the biggest drops in 2025 were seen in Slovakia and Hungary, while Ireland and Poland posted notable gains.

“Globally, we continue to see declines in constraints on government power, fundamental rights, and open governance,” Evangelides said.
“Ireland and Poland are rare examples moving in the opposite direction.”

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