Attempts to cut costs in public administration in Latvia often yield the opposite result: after reforms and reorganizations, the number of officials does not decrease, and sometimes even increases. This opinion was expressed on the air of the TV24 program "Press Club" by attorney Janis Dzanushkans.
According to him, many announced reductions turn out to be a formality, as the bureaucratic apparatus continues to exist practically in its previous volume after the changes.
"In Latvia, an astonishing practice has developed: one can endlessly reorganize, optimize, and reduce structures, while practically not decreasing the number of officials," noted Dzanushkans.
He emphasized that after a number of reforms, the total number of employees in state institutions sometimes even increases. According to the lawyer, the liquidation of individual ministries also does not guarantee significant savings of budget funds.
As an example, he cited the possible abolition of the Ministry of Climate and Energy, expressing doubt that such a step would allow for a substantial reduction in state expenses.
Dzanushkans explained that employees of the abolished institutions usually transition to work in other state structures, retaining their positions, benefits, and social guarantees.
"People simply move to other departments, and all guarantees remain the same," he said.
According to the lawyer, the ability to carry out reforms without a real reduction in the bureaucratic apparatus has become a peculiar feature of the Latvian system of public administration.
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