Government ends payments to NGO representatives for council meetings

The Latvian government has abolished payments to representatives of non-governmental organisations serving on the Council for Implementing the Cooperation Memorandum between NGOs and the Cabinet of Ministers, LSM reported. The decision was made on Tuesday.

Representatives who live outside Riga will still be reimbursed up to 30 euros for transport costs to attend meetings. The State Chancellery said the changes had been agreed with the Civic Alliance of Latvia and described them as a compromise.

Sabine Sile, head of the Sustainable Development Fund, opposed the changes during the government meeting. She said NGO representatives speak for different groups in society and not only attend meetings but also prepare for them and provide their expertise. Sile said she was disappointed that alternative solutions had not been assessed and that the changes were not based on research.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List defended the decision, saying state funds must be used efficiently. He said the payments were not simply remuneration for attending meetings. According to the explanatory note to the rules, the change is expected to save 28,582 euros this year.

Kulbergs had previously questioned why NGO representatives were paid for attending meetings and called for an overview of NGOs in Latvia over concerns about inefficient use of state funds. The Civic Alliance of Latvia said the NGO sector was already subject to careful oversight and that there had been no constructive discussion about funding for the sector.