Latvian PM unaware 'first bribe' cheese producer was convicted fraudster

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has revealed he was unaware that the producer of a cheese wheel he joked about receiving as his "first bribe" had been convicted of fraud and stripped of a state honor. Kulbergs made the jest in a video diary entry on June 10, referencing a cheese wheel from "Ievas siers" as a symbolic first bribe in his role as prime minister.

During a television appearance, when questioned by host Gundars Rēders about the producer's conviction for defrauding European funds and the subsequent revocation of his Order of the Cross of Recognition, Kulbergs expressed surprise. "Wow. I am learning this for the first time from you. Then this video has a different meaning. I didn't know that," he responded.

Rēders pointed out that Kulbergs's actions could send a mixed signal, potentially appearing to associate with individuals involved in fraud. Kulbergs acknowledged the oversight, stating, "You are educating me now." He added that while he believes in promoting Latvian products and entrepreneurs, he would be more cautious in the future. The cheese wheel, he noted, was a gift given directly to him.

The cheese producer, Juris Sprukulis, head of the farm "Vecsiljāni" and creator of "Ievas siers," was stripped of his Order of the Cross of Recognition in December of the previous year. This decision followed a court ruling concerning the misappropriation of EU funds for his farm's interests. A final court judgment in a criminal case initiated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office regarding ICT procurement fraud also took effect on September 12, 2025.

“

Wow. Es to uzzinu pirmo reizi no jums. Tad šim video ir cita nozīme. Es to nezināju.