Political Parties Will Save 760 Thousand 0 10

Let us remind you that parties that received support from at least 2% of voters in the recent parliamentary elections are entitled to an annual state subsidy. Those parties that overcame 5 percent and are thus represented in the Saeima receive an additional subsidy. The amount of the subsidy is "tied" to the minimum wage - the higher the minimum wage, the more money the parties receive annually. It has already been decided this year to freeze the growth of subsidies to parties - that is, the minimum wage has increased this year, but this has not led to an increase in subsidies. This will also be the case next year - the next increase in the minimum wage will not affect the amount of subsidies to political parties. Today, the Saeima approved the corresponding amendments to the law in the first reading.

"This is just one of several decisions that allow us to direct additional funds to the urgent needs of the state. The amount saved is less than one million euros," noted Anda Čakša, the chairwoman of the Budget and Financial (Tax) Commission, who is responsible for promoting the bill in the Saeima.

It is planned that in 2026, budget funding for political organizations (parties) will be calculated and allocated based on the minimum monthly wage established for 2024, rather than 2025.

Next year, with the freeze on party funding at this year's level, budget savings are expected to be nearly 0.76 million euros, the authors of the amendments noted.

For the changes to take effect, the amendments still need to be considered in the second - final - reading at the Saeima.