The caretaker cabinet has approved legislative changes aimed at improving the mechanisms for investigating the Prosecutor General and combating corruption. These changes are part of a broader reform envisioned in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Control over investigations of the Prosecutor General: Mandatory judicial control is introduced over the termination or suspension of criminal proceedings for corruption offenses committed by individuals in high public positions. The control will be carried out by a judge from the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Cassation, determined on a random basis. The judge will have the authority to review the actions of the investigating prosecutor and to issue binding instructions.
New Commission for Combating Corruption: A new body is being created, which will take over the anti-corruption functions of the National Audit Office. The commission will have five members, elected from different institutions. It will have expanded powers, including operational and investigative activities. The commission will be responsible for the prevention of corruption, the detection of corruption offenses, and the verification of declarations of assets and interests.
The reforms are aimed at implementing the requirements of the European Commission and ensuring the effectiveness of the criminal process. Mandatory judicial control is introduced over the termination and suspension of pre-trial proceedings investigated by employees of the Commission.