**Ukraine’s Government Under Fire for Rejecting Anti-Corruption Agency Head**
In a move that has sparked outrage among lawmakers and businesses, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has rejected the nomination of Oleksandr Tsyvinsky to lead the country’s economic crimes agency. The decision was made despite international pressure to reform the agency and appoint a new director by the end of July.
Tsyvinsky, who had been selected by an independent commission consisting of six members, including three government officials and three international experts, was seen as a strong candidate due to his experience in exposing corrupt schemes involving illegal land seizures in Kyiv. However, the government claimed that it had concerns about Tsyvinsky’s potential Russian connections, citing a letter from the country’s intelligence service.
The government’s decision has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers and business associations, who argue that there were no grounds for rejecting a properly nominated candidate. Yaroslav Zhelizniak, an opposition lawmaker, accused President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office of interfering in the selection process, saying that the rejection was “nothing more than an indicator of the winner’s disloyalty to the President’s Office.”
**Consequences of Delaying Reform**
The business community has also weighed in on the issue, with major associations calling on Zelensky, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to reverse the government’s decision. The groups warned that failing to reform the agency will harm investment decisions, particularly as Ukraine’s wartime economy needs to attract capital.
As one business association noted, “War is a time for radical changes in the rule of law and business climate, otherwise the economy cannot ensure the country’s survival.” With Ukraine facing significant economic challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, the need for reform has never been more pressing.
**Background on the Economic Crimes Agency**
The Bureau of Economic Security was created in 2021 to investigate economic crimes. However, it has since faced accusations of being used to pressure and extort businesses, prompting multiple calls and efforts to overhaul it. As part of its obligations to the EU and International Monetary Fund, Ukraine is required to select a new director for the agency by the end of July.
Tsyvinsky’s nomination had been seen as a step in the right direction towards reforming the agency. However, his rejection has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
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