Gov't to cut prosecutor numbers under reform plan

The Public Prosecution Service, scheduled to commence operations on October 2 following extensive prosecution reforms, will initially employ a workforce representing 80-85% of the existing statutory quota for prosecutors. The Ministry of Justice announced these plans on Tuesday, stating the Cabinet had endorsed legal modifications to the organization and staffing of the Public Prosecution Service, incorporating public feedback received during a legislative notice period from September 4 to 9.

This reform initiative is part of the government's broader effort to diminish prosecutors' independent investigative authority. The proposed amendments encompass additional reductions to investigative staff from the initially outlined staffing blueprint, the discontinuation of three extra deputy chief prosecutor positions and eight departments, as well as the renaming of departments that had sparked controversy.

The critical aspect of the new agency's composition, namely the number of prosecutors, will be set at 80-85% of the 2,292 prosecutors authorized under the current Prosecutor Quota Act.

The Ministry of Justice has indicated its intention to pursue further legislative adjustments to finalize the staffing levels at the new Public Prosecution Service.