Court Rejects Former Riga Official's Lawsuit Against City Council

A Riga court has rejected a lawsuit brought by Ilze Purmale, the former director of the city's Development Department, against the Riga City Council. Purmale had sought to have her dismissal declared invalid, demanding reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and legal costs.

The council dismissed Purmale in December, citing a clause in the Labor Law that allows termination for unlawful actions leading to a loss of employer trust. The conflict stemmed from the Skanstes revitalization project, where Purmale's department allegedly failed to ensure a construction contractor fulfilled its obligations. This resulted in contaminated soil being left on land owned by AS "Projekts B10," associated with businessman Māris Sprūds.

The court found that after the construction contract was terminated, Purmale's leadership did not secure a timely or effective solution for the soil issue. The court also noted a lack of evaluation of alternative legal solutions and delayed communication of risks to city officials. While the court did not find evidence of malicious intent or personal gain by Purmale, it concluded that her actions were not a single mistake but a pattern of administrative oversight over several years.

Consequently, the court deemed the dismissal proportionate and compliant with the Labor Law. Purmale has the right to appeal the decision to the Riga Regional Court.