Latvian lawmakers back review of transport and housing compensation

Latvian lawmakers broadly support reviewing the compensation system for parliamentarians’ transport and housing rental costs, LSM reported. The issue has been discussed for years, but has so far lacked political support.

The current Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, is unlikely to abolish the reimbursements entirely. However, with elections approaching, lawmakers say they are determined to change the system to prevent possible misconduct and assess whether the compensation is proportionate and justified.

The issue returned to the agenda after Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau examined the validity of housing rental cost compensation received by Saeima member Leila Rasima of the Progressives party. The review found no illegalities.

The Legal Affairs Committee and its Constitutional and Judicial Policy Subcommittee began discussing the compensation system at a joint meeting on Tuesday. Proposals included reducing compensation amounts and introducing stricter limits and oversight.

Although lawmakers have yet to agree on a specific solution, all members present agreed that the system should be changed and that the current Saeima could still adopt amendments.

The meeting was convened after Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa of the Union of Greens and Farmers asked the Legal Affairs Committee to review the compensation system and prepare amendments to the parliament’s rules to make the procedure more transparent and proportionate.

Mieriņa has proposed ending compensation for the use of private cars and reimbursing public transport costs instead. Transport or accommodation support could be limited to lawmakers who neither live nor own a home within 100 kilometres of Riga. Housing rental compensation could also be replaced with centrally provided hotel or staff accommodation.

Independent lawmaker Skaidrīte Ābrama said the current system was illogical and allowed disproportionate spending.