Riga Digital Agency Director Fired Over Electric Car Charging

The director of Riga's digital agency has been dismissed from his post after admitting to using municipal electricity to charge his personal electric vehicle. The departure was finalized through a mutual agreement after the director submitted his resignation.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from some members of the city council, particularly from the "Sovereign Power and Union 'Young Latvians'" (SV/AJ) faction. Deputies argued that the director should have faced disciplinary action and penalties, rather than being allowed to resign and leave his position without further consequence.

Jūlija Stepaņenko, a deputy from the SV/AJ faction, expressed concern that this outcome sends a message that misconduct can be overlooked through a quiet departure. She suggested that the council meeting should have been temporarily adjourned to await the outcome of a disciplinary investigation and a decision on punishment before proceeding with the dismissal.

Stepaņenko further speculated that the director might reappear in another government position within months, viewing his dismissal as a mere rotation. She emphasized that Gulbis's departure was not due to dissatisfaction with the work environment but because he was caught in a violation. The SV/AJ faction had previously alerted the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) regarding Gulbis's alleged transgressions, which included not only charging his car at work but also awarding himself bonuses, paying himself additional sums, and hiring staff whose contributions were unclear.

KNAB has initiated an investigation into some of these reported facts. Meanwhile, the Riga digital agency director confirmed he had acknowledged charging his personal electric car and paid the imposed fine of 170 euros. He stated he resigned because he no longer wished to work in such an environment.

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Esmu atzinis personiskā elektroauto uzlādi un samaksājis man piemēroto 170 eiro sodu.