A code of conduct for ministers and officials has been developed in the State Chancellery of Latvia. It will determine how the Prime Minister and ministers, as well as parliamentary secretaries and advisors, should behave, reports TV3.
According to the new code, Latvian politicians must be open and honest, provide all information about their actions, not use their position for personal gain, treat others with respect, and importantly:
not to get drunk or use prohibited substances in public places.
It is noted that adherence to ethics and honesty is a regular issue for members of the Latvian government. During the COVID-19 crisis, politicians were aware of the risks but kept quiet about them, fearing for their popularity. In the case of Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš's flights, information was not provided to journalists, even though it was acknowledged that this was dishonest. Defense Minister Andris Sprūds failed to mention that the drone that fell in Latvia was first noticed by residents, not the armed forces.
The need for a code of ethics has been discussed for over 20 years. In 2002, the Saeima adopted a law on preventing conflicts of interest in the activities of officials, which states that politicians must adhere to an ethical code. In 2006, the Saeima approved its own code of conduct, but it does not apply to ministers.
The code was also mentioned in the action plan of the second Dombrovskis government, but then politicians forgot about it. In 2018, it was reminded by the anti-corruption group of the Council of Europe.
Another reminder was received by the government in January of last year from the ombudsman.
A few months later, the State Chancellery began work, and now the code has been submitted for public discussion. It contains 29 points.
How will drunk and dishonest ministers be punished?
Sanctions may be provided for violations — a recommendation, a written reprimand, or a demand to apologize. However, oversight remains in the hands of the politicians themselves: the Saeima should monitor the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister or a person appointed by him should oversee the ministers, and the ministers themselves should supervise the advisors.
Don’t like the Code? Residents can submit proposals for the project on the legal acts portal by finding the draft code of ethics of the Cabinet of Ministers.
