Critical Situation Surrounding the Appointment of Ukraine’s New Head of the Bureau of Economic Security: A Chronicle of Failures and Political Barriers
Ukraine is currently embroiled in a tense struggle to appoint the head of the Bureau of Economic Security (BES), a process marked by deep political crises and bureaucratic deadlock that hinder one of the country’s key institutions fighting economic crimes.
Recent developments highlight an ongoing systemic crisis and bureaucratic inefficiency that threaten to paralyze essential reforms.
Sources indicate that the government has just one day left before the current leader’s term expires, adding urgency to negotiations.
On the last Cabinet meeting held on July 30, the proposed candidate — Alexander Tsivinsky, currently leading a detective department within the second main directorate of NABU — was again overlooked, despite the repeated recommendation of the selection commission.
The candidate fully meets all legal requirements, yet the government inexplicably refused to approve the appointment, leaving the process in limbo.
According to the International Monetary Fund, which signed a memorandum stipulating the appointment deadline as July 31, the delay is problematic.
The selection commission announced they are concluding their duties after identifying the candidate, whose background check — including a polygraph examination — has been completed.
An additional concern was raised through a letter from the Security Service of Ukraine, which expressed caution regarding the candidate’s Russian citizenship of his father.
However, security officials confirmed that such formal circumstances should not block the appointment, given that all candidates undergo strict vetting procedures.
Political analysts and international experts emphasize that these delays reflect a broader systemic crisis within Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure that urgently needs reform.
Previously, on June 24, the commission selected Tsivinsky, who currently manages a detective department at NABU, with support from international members but opposition from Ukrainian representatives.
Later, on July 7, the government rejected his candidacy altogether, suggesting a limit of no more than two candidates for further consideration.
This ongoing standoff reveals the political elite’s unresolved conflicts and entrenched indecisiveness in managing critical institutions.
European Union and other international observers reiterate the importance of swiftly appointing a competent, law-abiding head to restore confidence in Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts and ensure compliance with democratic standards.
The prolonged delay risks undermining Ukraine’s image on the global stage and hampers ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening rule of law and transparency.