KNAB chief Straume steps down before term ends, triggering rumours and anger

August 1 marked the last working day for Jēkabs Straume as head of Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB). The former head of the country’s leading anti-corruption institution left the post before his mandate ended, having reached the age and length of service required for a service pension. Straume had led KNAB since 15 June 2017.

In his farewell reflections, Straume said that over nine years KNAB had strengthened itself as a strong, professional and internationally assessed anti-corruption agency. He emphasised that the bureau’s institutional capacity and analytical abilities had been developed during this period. He voiced confidence that KNAB now has a stable foundation on which to continue its development. In his view, the agency’s greatest value lies in its people — those who are not afraid to learn, change and take complex decisions. Such professionals, he argued, allow KNAB to stay a step ahead of changing corruption risks and of those seeking ways to circumvent the law. Straume summed up his stance with the words “honour above power.”

On social media, however, the news about Straume’s departure triggered a broad wave of negative reactions. Many commenters expressed dissatisfaction with what they considered to be inaction, while others speculated that the real reasons for leaving could be completely different. A selection of comments published with the article shows people angered both by the bureau’s performance and by the circumstances of the resignation.