Acting KNAB chief plans no major changes, may enter leadership contest

Ineta Cīrule, acting head of Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, does not plan major changes at the institution and has not ruled out running for its permanent leadership post, LSM reports.

Cīrule took over as acting head on August 2 after KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume retired on a service pension. She has worked at the bureau for more than 20 years and previously served as deputy chief responsible for investigative operations.

Cīrule said Straume had strengthened the organisation during his tenure, but added that the bureau should do more to explain its work to the public.

She said her immediate priority was to familiarise herself with the bureau’s other departments, as her previous work had focused on investigations. As an acting chief, she does not plan significant changes, leaving broader decisions to the person eventually appointed to the post.

The Cabinet could decide within the next week to announce an open competition for the KNAB chief’s position. Cīrule said she might apply.

Under the law, the Saeima appoints the KNAB chief for a five-year term on the Cabinet’s recommendation. Candidates are selected by a commission led by the director of the State Chancellery. That position is currently vacant, however, so the commission would be led by the acting director if the vacancy remains when the competition begins.