Corruption, Latvia, Legislation

The Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry, which drafted the bill, also informed LETA that the Ministries of Justice and Finance have approved the draft legislation.

As reported, the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry submitted to the government a bill to dissolve the Riga City Council, which also includes provisions for the city council’s further work in the event of dissolution.

The bill has been based on a number of violations in the work of the local government, including in supervision of its companies. The Environment Protection and Regional Development Ministry has assessed the responsibility of the Riga City Council in the criminal case on Rigas Satiksme municipal transport company and also other violations, inaccuracies and inactivity in the work of the local government.

Meanwhile, Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs (Harmony) called the bill the National Alliance’s political show, arguing that the draft legislation is based on political and not legal grounds and that it contains many claims that are not supported with facts.

Most of the political parties represented in Saeima have expressed support for the bill but warned that it has to be legally sound.