VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has climbed two places to 29th out of 143 countries in the 2026 Rule of Law Index, despite a slight decline in its overall score, according to the World Justice Project (WJP).
The country scored 0.67, a drop of less than 1% compared with the previous edition.
The report raised concerns about declining freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and public participation, alongside weakening safeguards against government power.
Malta’s ranking for constraints on government powers fell for the third consecutive year, dropping from 39th in 2024 to 43rd in 2025 and 49th in 2026.
The WJP also reported weakening judicial checks on government authority, a trend observed in 63% of the countries assessed, including Malta.
Despite these concerns, Malta improved two places in the absence of corruption category, ranking 38th globally. It also placed 10th worldwide for order and security.
In its regional comparison, Malta ranked 22nd among 31 countries covering the European Union, the European Free Trade Association and North America. It retained seventh place for order and security in the region.
Denmark topped both the regional and global rankings, followed by Norway and Finland. Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary ranked lowest in the regional table.
Globally, the report warned of continued deterioration in the rule of law, with more than 86% of countries experiencing a sustained five-year decline in at least one key safeguard against authoritarian rule.
These safeguards include limits on government powers, open government and fundamental rights. Malta was among the countries affected.
The WJP identified inappropriate government influence and interference as major factors behind weakening institutions. Civil justice deteriorated in 64% of countries surveyed, while criminal justice weakened in 58%.
Although access to affordable civil justice improved in 54% of countries, Malta was not among those recording progress.
Overall, 62% of the 143 countries assessed registered a decline in their rule of law score.
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