New Ukrainian PM plans to audit all state expenditures

MOSCOW. July 28 (Interfax) - New Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko has announced plans to conduct an audit of all state expenditures, Ukrainian media said.

"In the economy, we have started to implement the [National Security and Defense Council] NSDC's decision on a moratorium on law enforcement inspections of businesses. Business expects the government to take tangible steps in terms of deregulation. Therefore, we are starting an audit of all state expenditures. We plan to significantly reduce bureaucratic procedures," Sviridenko was quoted as saying in a statement on social media.

As previously reported, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky signed an order on July 23 to scale down bureaucratic procedures and urgently audit all state expenditures.

On the same day, the Ukrainian government approved a plan for implementing the NSDC's decision on a moratorium on unsubstantiated inspections and interference in businesses' operations. In addition, the State Regulatory Service and ministries were given a month to submit proposals on deregulation and on curtailing excess permits.

"From July 24, the Tax and Customs Service will restrict inspections for low-risk enterprises, except for those in high-risk sectors such as the sale of excisable goods, where control is needed," Sviridenko said.

"We also plan to launch a digital control system and quarterly reviews of the efficiency of decisions," she said.

Additionally, the government will draw up Code of Criminal Procedure amendments, under which only the prosecutor general and senior regional-level official will be able to initiate new proceedings against businesses, Sviridenko said.