The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) recently purchased air conditioners worth 763,000 hryvnias, which caused outrage among the public. This became possible after the government lifted the ban on the purchase of air conditioners in the summer, which gave the bureau the opportunity to purchase equipment designed to improve the comfort of employees.
This decision called into question the effectiveness of the use of public funds, because the costs of air conditioners are not limited only to their purchase. In addition to the cost of the devices themselves, there will be additional costs for electricity, as, according to estimates, in 2025 NABU plans to spend more than 10 million hryvnias on electricity. With new air conditioners, these costs can increase even more.
While the country is experiencing economic difficulties and the fight against corruption, some state bodies seem indifferent to the public's requests for the rational use of budget funds. The question arises: should comfortable conditions for officials really be the first priority during the period of austerity and restrictions? Wouldn't it be better to direct these funds to more important state initiatives that help in the fight against corruption or infrastructure development?
