Saeima panel backs replacing regional MPs’ expenses with higher pay

Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, should replace transport and rent reimbursements for MPs registered outside Riga with higher pay for deputies elected from the regions, the parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee proposed on Tuesday, LSM reported.

The committee backed advancing amendments to the Saeima’s rules of procedure. The proposed higher remuneration would need to be included in the law governing pay for officials and employees of state and municipal institutions. The outgoing 14th Saeima could pass the changes under an urgent procedure before its term ends in three weeks.

Committee chair Andrejs Judins of New Unity said he had mainly drafted the proposal, drawing on ideas discussed previously. He said beginning the changes would help the next parliament. But Linda Liepiņa of the Latvia First party questioned whether it was appropriate for the outgoing Saeima to set rules for its successor, and raised concerns that the proposals could be politically motivated.

The committee did not back proposals to shorten debate times or allow the Saeima Presidium to restrict MPs from filming in the plenary chamber.