The title of the "biggest corrupt politician of the day" in 2025 varies depending on region and context, but several prominent figures stand out based on recent reports and investigations:

• Bashar al-Assad , the ousted Syrian leader, was named the 2024 "Person of the Year" for corruption by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), highlighting his extensive involvement in organized crime and corruption

• William Ruto , President of Kenya, was ranked the 2nd most corrupt globally by OCCRP in early 2025, following Bashar al-Assad. His administration has faced serious allegations related to corruption scandals

• In Africa, several presidents are frequently cited for corruption, including Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria), among others, as per OCCRP and investigative reports

• Globally, historical figures like Mohamed Suharto (Indonesia), Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines), and more recent leaders such as Najib Razak (Malaysia) have been noted for massive embezzlement, with Najib Razak being convicted and sentenced for corruption related to the 1MDB scandal

• In the United States, a list of "most corrupt" politicians running for reelection in 2024 includes several senators and representatives accused of prioritizing personal and corporate interests over public good, such as Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Josh Hawley

Given these sources, the "biggest corrupt politician of the day" in 2025 could be identified as Bashar al-Assad globally due to OCCRP's designation, with William Ruto as a close second. In Africa, presidents like Mnangagwa and Tinubu are also heavily implicated. The scale and impact of corruption vary, but these names are among the most prominently reported for corruption scandals in 2025