Interim KNAB chief Ineta Cīrule does not plan drastic changes at anti-corruption bureau
Ineta Cīrule has temporarily taken over as head of Latvia's anti-corruption bureau after Jēkabs Straume retired. The government may announce an open competition for the post in the coming weeks, and Cīrule has said she does not plan radical changes.
After longtime director Jēkabs Straume retired on years-of-service grounds, Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is now being led temporarily by his deputy for investigative affairs, Ineta Cīrule. She will serve as acting head until a new chief is appointed.
According to LSM's evening discussion programme, the government could announce an open competition for the post in the coming weeks. Cīrule, who is currently in charge, has said she does not plan any abrupt changes at the bureau.
Cīrule found out about her boss's decision to step down only one day before Straume announced it publicly. Straume left office after going into retirement. KNAB is described as Latvia's largest anti-corruption agency.
The timing and conditions of the competition have not been officially announced. However, the report suggested that the selection process could begin within weeks. Meanwhile, Cīrule continues to handle the bureau's daily operations while also overseeing the investigative work she was previously responsible for. The temporary arrangement is meant to ensure continuity at the agency until a permanent leader is chosen.
