Latvia’s new parliament speaker eyes cuts to lawmakers’ compensation

Latvia’s newly elected parliament speaker Edvards Smiltēns wants to reduce lawmakers’ expense compensation, potentially by as much as half, LSM reported.

Speaking on Latvian Television’s programme “Today’s Question,” Smiltēns said the parliament should also save public money. He described the current compensation system as too bureaucratic, citing the paperwork involved in collecting and processing receipts and filing reports.

Smiltēns said he saw other potential savings through streamlining work, simplifying processes and replacing some tasks with artificial intelligence. Asked whether staff cuts were expected, he said that would depend on whether roles could be found for employees.

If all his plans are implemented, the parliament could save 15% to 20% of its budget, he said. Smiltēns added that this was the maximum programme and would require approval from the parliament’s Presidium.

Over nearly four years, more than one million euros in public funds was paid to 14th Saeima lawmakers for transport and housing expenses. Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau has said the rules governing these reimbursements create risks of unjustified claims and dishonest use. More than 15,000 people have signed a ManaBalss.lv petition calling for the compensation to be abolished.