Latvia Petition Seeks to End MP Compensation for Travel and Rent

A public initiative in Latvia is gathering momentum to abolish compensation for transportation and rental expenses claimed by members of parliament (Saeima). The petition, which requires 10,000 signatures to be considered by the Saeima, has already collected over 4,300 signatures.

Initiated by Andis Feldmanis, deputy chairman of the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers' Trade Union, the petition argues that while individuals have the right to choose their occupation and place of residence, many essential workers like healthcare professionals and educators commute from distant regions or rent accommodation in other cities at their own expense. The initiative points out that there is no objective reason for Saeima deputies to receive preferential treatment regarding these costs, especially when the state budget faces deficits.

The petition asserts that the position of a Saeima deputy should be one of public trust and honor, not a source of profit. It criticizes the continuation of these compensations as unacceptable and contrary to public interest, particularly when critical sectors like healthcare, education, and internal security are underfunded. The organizers believe that abolishing these compensations would save taxpayers' money, which could then be allocated to more pressing societal needs.

Data from June shows that Saeima deputies received a total of 22,419.53 euros in compensations, with 13,732.98 euros for rental expenses and 8,686.55 euros for transportation. Several deputies received significant amounts, with the highest combined compensations noted for Artūrs Butāns, Līga Kļaviņa, Ramona Petraviča, Viktorija Pleškāne, and Anita Brakovska. The initiative's author contends that by eliminating these allowances, Saeima deputies would demonstrate solidarity with the Latvian people.