In social media and among Latvian politicians, a storm has been raised over the allocation of nearly half a million euros for the European Bridge Championship in Latvia. While some call it an opportunity to attract foreign guests and stimulate the economy, others do not hide their bewilderment as to why state funds are directed to such an event.
Discussions have also become politically sharp — accusations of possible lobbying of interests have been voiced.
On Wednesday, the Riga City Council decided to allocate 100,000 euros for the European Bridge Championship in the capital. The Latvian Bridge Federation explains that two significant tournaments are simultaneously planned in Latvia — the European Championship among national teams and among youth teams. The total expenses for organization are approaching one million euros.
It is known that about 50,000 euros has allegedly been raised from sponsors and donors. The Riga Technical University is providing facilities free of charge. Another 245,000 euros is being invested by the European Bridge League, 100,000 euros has already been allocated by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, and 100,000 euros — by the Riga City Council.
A decision from the government regarding the additional necessary 200,000 euros is also expected soon.
Tension was felt in the debates among officials on this issue. Riga City Council member Julia Stepanenko said at the meeting: "We see that this event is being lobbied by a well-known lobbyist. I remember from the time of the Saeima. Imants Paradnieks, who has the right to represent this association alone."
In turn, Imants Paradnieks, who is the chairman of the board of the Latvian Bridge Federation, rejected such accusations, emphasizing the potential benefit for the state: "I find this simply incorrect and unfair, because ultimately the only thing to consider is what contribution this makes to the state and the municipality."
It is estimated that around 1,800 participants, judges, and fans would arrive in Riga, who would stay in the city for about a week. "This will bring the economy of Riga three million euros, and directly to the Riga municipality in the form of tax revenues — 270,000 euros," explained Riga's vice-mayor Vilnis Kirsis.
As a result, the funds were allocated with 33 votes in favor.
Bridge is more important than children, health, schools...
Meanwhile, social media is filled with critical posts from the public. Many residents point out that such money should be used to support other — more significant for society — areas, rather than financing the bridge championship.
"Although this bridge championship may indeed bring profit to Riga and the state, from a political logic standpoint, allocating taxpayer money for this should be considered a mistake, and the involved parties have shot themselves in the foot because such things irritate society."
"Of course, bridge is more important than demographics, children's health, schools, and teachers' salaries 💩💩"
"With this money, one rural school, two medical points, or 20 cultural houses could be maintained."
"From the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science, Minister Indrikson plans to allocate 200,000 € for the tournament organized by the bridge federation, which is headed by his party mate Paradnieks. During the previous leadership in the ministry, we did not approve this decision, as we believed that if this amount is allocated as money for the sports sector, it would be better used for mass sports events rather than for a card tournament," writes Saeima member, parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science Davis Martinš Daugavietis on X.
"We are indeed a very wealthy country if we can afford bridge championships for half a million. On one hand, it is certainly good that something is happening in the city, but I do not see what benefit these 100 players will bring to the economy. It would be better to donate to AirBaltic!"
With this bridge championship, it is interesting — if this event is so good and valuable, why does the Riga City Council and the government make a decision about it at the last moment? And how did Paradnieks manage to announce on the website that it is “supported by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Riga City Council, RTU” even before official decisions?"
"It is elegant that the bridge federation 'outplays' representatives of other (I apologize) normal sports federations. Funding for sports very, very, very slowly arrives in the accounts of recognized sports federations. (A delay of 1/2 year is an unprecedented masterpiece in the history of Latvia's sports budget), while players..."
"200,000 euros for a bridge tournament in Latvia. This is almost a two-year budget of the Latvian Sports Museum. The very same one that is planned to be liquidated as a direct management institution and delegate functions to the National Sports Center / withering 'Daugava' stadium.
