# Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latvian-parliamentary-rent-compensation-probe
> Updated: 2026-08-13T03:10:13.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Latvian anti‑corruption officials have opened a supervisory investigation into Saeima deputy Leila Rasima after reports that she claimed €610 a month in housing‑rent compensation for a flat she does not occupy. The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is examining whether the payment complies with rules governing parliamentary allowances. KNAB noted that two deputies have previously faced criminal charges for similar abuses, where they declared residences more than 39 km from Riga while owning property in the capital. To prevent future exploitation, the bureau is considering stricter controls, such as requiring proof that a deputy has no kinship ties with a landlord.

Prime Minister Andris Kulberg warned that several deputies might be manipulating compensation claims, noting that deputies' salaries are already sufficient. Rasima defended her claim, stating the flat was purchased by her mother in her name and that she has never lived there. While President Edgar Rinkēvičs described the matter as a procedural issue for the Saeima, the controversy has sparked a public initiative on the ‘Mana balss’ portal.

Proposed by Andis Feldmanis of the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers' Trade Union, the petition seeks to abolish transport and housing rental compensations for Saeima members. Proponents argue that these state-funded reimbursements are contrary to the public interest during budget deficits and should be redirected to healthcare, education, and internal security. As of mid-August, the initiative had collected over 4,300 of the 10,000 signatures required for parliamentary consideration. Records show that in June, Saeima deputies received a total of 22,419.53 euros in combined housing and transport compensations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Latvian public initiative seeks to abolish Saeima deputy compensations

A Latvian public initiative is seeking 10,000 signatures to abolish transport and housing compensations for Saeima deputies, arguing the funds should support healthcare and education instead.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvian-public-initiative-seeks-to-abolish-saeima-deputy-compensations

### 2026-08-05: Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulberg flags possible misuse of deputies' compensation

Latvian PM Andris Kulberg warned of possible manipulation of Saeima deputies' compensation, citing a case where deputy Leila Rasima receives rent aid despite owning a flat, and noting that rules tie allowances

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvian-prime-minister-andris-kulberg-flags-possible-misuse-of-deputies-compensation

### 2026-08-05: Latvian corruption bureau probes deputy Leila Rasima's rent compensation

Latvia's anti-corruption bureau has opened an investigation into Saeima deputy Leila Rasima over a €610‑monthly housing rent compensation claim, amid concerns about misuse of the parliamentary expense system.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvian-corruption-bureau-probes-deputy-leila-rasimas-rent-compensation

---
Cite as: Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latvian-parliamentary-rent-compensation-probe