Eighty seven percent of Poles say that palm greasing is a widespread problem but at the same time one in ten admits to giving bribes, according to a survey conducted by CBOS.

The survey by CBOS pollsters is released on the Day Without Bribes, which has been observed since 2004.

Corruption is thought to be most widespread in Poland among politicians, in the health sector, in courts, the police and in state-owned firms, the CBOS poll shows.

According to the 2010 Corruption Perception Index, published by Transparency International, Poland moved up to the 41st place among 178 countries around the world with a score of 5.3, suggesting what has been a problem in Poland ever since communism times has improved.

 In 2009 Poland’s ranking was 49th with a CPI of 5.0. The higher the score, the cleaner a country is.  

More than 20 countries have reported significant increases in petty bribery since 2006, however. Poland is among them. (kk)