The use of VIP services at Amsterdam Airport during the working trip of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina to the USA was justified by security and protocol considerations, and also complied with regulations, according to the response of the State Chancellery to the Saeima Commission's inquiries, reports LETA.
Today, the commission discussed the opposition deputies' request to the Prime Minister regarding the expenses for using VIP services at Amsterdam Airport.
In response to the deputies' request, the director of the State Chancellery, Raivis Kronbergs, stated that the VIP services at Amsterdam Airport "Schiphol" were used in March 2024 both on the way to the USA and on the return trip to Latvia. The Prime Minister, the head of her office, and a security service accompanying person utilized the services.
The State Chancellery emphasizes that enhanced service is not used as a personal convenience or privilege, but as a tool for ensuring security and organizing work. Airports are high-risk environments with a large flow of people, and the VIP area allows for a reduction in time spent in public zones and lowers potential risks.
As indicated in the response, the actual expenses of the State Chancellery for the use of VIP services for the Prime Minister and the head of her office amounted to €2965.71, including VAT. The expenses for the accompanying security personnel of €1218.47 were covered by the relevant security service. The total amount of the bill was €4184.18, which was initially paid by the Embassy of Latvia in the Netherlands.
The State Chancellery explains that only one type of VIP service is available at Amsterdam Airport, and there were no lower-cost alternatives that provided a comparable level of security. The proportionality and economic feasibility of using the service were assessed when planning the visit.
The response also notes that regulations provide for the reimbursement of expenses for the Prime Minister and accompanying persons for expedited security checks and enhanced service during business trips. All documents and invoices related to this case were published even before the deputies' request was received.
It was previously reported that the stay of Silina, her advisor Ieva Zīberga, and the accompanying bodyguard in the VIP lounge at Amsterdam Airport during the trip to the USA in March 2024 cost €4184 including VAT.
VIP services were used on March 10 and 15, and one bill was issued for both instances, which was provided to the State Chancellery by the Embassy of Latvia in the Netherlands. The bill was signed by the Ambassador in the Netherlands, Solvita Aboltina, and was paid on April 19.
The State Chancellery confirmed the use of the VIP lounge, noting that it was due to protocol and security considerations. Of the total amount, the expenses of the State Chancellery for the Prime Minister and the head of her office amounted to over €3100, while the expenses for the accompanying person were covered by the relevant security service.
It was also reported that the former director of the State Chancellery, Janis Citkovskis, accused Silina of unjustified use of the VIP lounge at Amsterdam Airport.
Citkovskis stated in an interview with Latvian Television that he and his colleagues repeatedly insisted on preventing unjustified expenses by officials, but they were often not listened to. One such case, he said, was related to Silina, after which the state received a bill of about €4000 for her and her advisor's visit to the VIP lounge at the airport.
Citkovskis claimed that he refused to pay this bill, after which he was removed from his position, and later another official approved the payment.
The former director added that similarly, former Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins requested payment for the use of the VIP lounge for his daughter, which, according to him, was not legal.
In turn, Silina indicated on Twitter that considering the ongoing legal proceedings, including the criminal case against Citkovskis, his statements should be viewed as a defense tactic.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Citkovskis's claims are not true and added that she would consider the possibility of filing a lawsuit for defamation.
In response to a question about whether she uses airport VIP lounges while performing her duties, Silina stated on the TV3 program "900 Seconds" that such an opportunity is provided for high-ranking officials by regulations. According to her, this practice exists worldwide and is normal.
When asked about specific amounts, the head of government replied that she "does not keep all the bills in her head," adding that it was Citkovskis who was responsible for developing and implementing the travel order. In any case, all information has been transferred to the prosecutor's office and the media, the politician stated.
Currently, Citkovskis is on trial for the so-called case regarding the flights of former Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.
