Riga bars teachers from accepting gifts worth over 50 euros

Teachers at Riga municipal education institutions may not accept gifts worth more than 50 euros from this school year, under new rules issued by the municipality, LSM reports.

The rules are intended to reduce conflicts of interest and corruption risks, prevent gifts from influencing employees and protect their objectivity and independence at work.

Employees may not accept gifts connected, or perceived to be connected, to their duties, position or official status. The ban also applies when gifts are delivered through a spouse, partner, relative or another person.

Prohibited gifts include cash, gift cards, paid digital services, loans, discounts, accommodation, event tickets, travel or transport payments, and personal benefits offered on terms unavailable to the public.

Employees must clearly refuse an unauthorised gift, thank the giver and explain that the municipality prohibits accepting it. The rules allow collective gifts from students or their legal representatives for occasions such as graduations and public holidays, provided they are not connected to assessment or admission.