Analytics, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Ministries and their subordinate institutions recklessly spent budget financing for the purchase of various items, including expensive equipment, and office parties were funded by taxpayers' money. Furthermore, there have also been cases of tenders which suspiciously lessened requirements for candidates.

State Audit Office board member Marita Salgrave admitted to members of the press today that during the audit of state administration institutions, clear signals were received that the crisis within the state administration is certainly over, as there were expenses registered that where not registered even during the pre-crisis period. ''For example, three ministries purchased disproportionately expensive mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The price of this equipment, according to the State Audit Office, is not proportionate to the aim of their purchase.''

''We truly believe that LVL 550 for a mobile phone is much too expensive, especially taking into account these phones are being paid for with taxpayers' money and civil servants do not even use most of their functions,'' Salgrave said, adding that the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry, Economy Ministry and Agriculture Ministry were the ministries that made such expensive purchases.

Salgrave added that this does not mean other institutions have not acted similarly, as these cases were revealed after inspecting institutions at random.

According to the State Audit Office, the activities of state institutions show that the ''strawberry cake'' era is back, as ministries are being to organize more and more social/relaxation gatherings where items like cakes, food and even hosts are paid for by taxpayers.

''Our country has more important needs, which we cannot yet meet,'' Auditor General Elita Krumina said.