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Latvian Saeima reviews deputy housing and transport reform

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-06 10:11 UTC → 2026-09-16 09:27 UTC · added removed

Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe Saeima reviews deputy housing and transport reform

The 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 commenced legislative discussions regarding reforms to the compensation claims, noting that system for deputies' salaries are already sufficient. Rasima defended her claim, stating the flat was purchased by her mother in her name transport 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 housing expenses. This move follows 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 portal that these state-funded reimbursements are contrary to the public interest during budget deficits and should be redirected to healthcare, education, and internal security. The initiative has successfully gathered over 10,000 signatures, meeting signatures seeking to abolish these reimbursements. Parliamentary subcommittees have reached a consensus that existing regulations require change, though deputies remain divided on the threshold scope of the reform. Skaidrīte Ābrama has advocated for parliamentary consideration. In response stricter limits to prevent the growing debate, Economy Minister Viktors Valainis, a candidate use of public funds for private vehicle use or luxury housing. In contrast, Gunārs Kūtris argued that the Union system is essential to ensure equal opportunities for deputies representing regional areas outside of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) premiership, has proposed freezing Riga. The review follows an investigation by the salaries of Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) into Saeima deputies. Valainis stated deputy Leila Rasima, who was scrutinized for claiming €610 monthly in rent compensation for an unoccupied flat. KNAB has previously warned that current parliamentary wages are disproportionately high and should be aligned with regulations create risks for the country's socio-economic situation. “unjustified or dishonest use of public funds.”

Versions

  1. 2026-09-16 09:27 UTC Latvian Saeima reviews deputy housing and transport reform
  2. 2026-09-06 10:11 UTC Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe
  3. 2026-08-29 13:01 UTC Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe
  4. 2026-08-13 04:55 UTC Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe
  5. 2026-08-05 17:35 UTC Latvian parliamentary rent compensation probe

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