Latvian parties vow to review lawmakers’ compensation system

Latvian parliamentary factions have pledged to begin reviewing lawmakers’ compensation system before the next elections, following recommendations from the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, LSM reported.

Over less than four years, members of the 14th Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, have received more than one million euros from the state budget to cover transport and housing expenses. The total has not changed significantly compared with previous parliamentary terms, but lawmakers’ usage patterns differ: around half do not claim the compensation, while others have received tens of thousands of euros.

After assessing the system, the bureau recommended that parliament review the amounts and eligibility criteria for compensation and apply stricter scrutiny to whether expenses are justified.

More than 10,000 people have also signed a ManaBalss.lv initiative calling for the compensation to be abolished. The initiative has been submitted to parliament and must be considered by its Mandates, Ethics and Submissions Committee.

Harijs Rokpelnis, head of the parliamentary faction of the Union of Greens and Farmers, said the issue had been discussed within the faction and that the committee could consider the initiative in mid-September.

“I would be sceptical about saying that this parliament could still change it. But if there is political will, anything is possible. We would certainly support moving such a process forward,” Rokpelnis said.

The other coalition factions have also said they are ready to review the system before the elections.

Edmunds Jurēvics, head of the New Unity parliamentary faction, acknowledged that making considered decisions during the pre-election period could be more difficult. However, if the responsible committee acts quickly enough, the current parliament could still approve changes.

If that does not happen, the review could begin now while the final decision is left to the next parliament, Jurēvics said. “We are in no way going to put this issue, as people say, in a drawer. We are ready to discuss it and adopt considered, meaningful decisions that would make the system fairer and more transparent while also saving money,” he said.