Nearly a tenth of Latvia’s 14th Saeima – nine members in total – faced administrative liability between September last year and January of this year, according to a report delivered to the Saeima on February 26th by the Mandates, Ethics and Submissions Committee.
Traffic Violations Among Lawmakers
Speeding was a common infraction. Gunārs Kūtris (Greens and Farmers Union) and Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance) were both caught exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 20 kilometers per hour. Linda Matisone (United List) was recorded exceeding the speed limit by 21 to 30 kilometers per hour.
Other traffic violations included failing to observe road signs, for which Dāvis Mārtiņš Daugavietis (Modern Unity) and Artūrs Butāns (National Alliance) were held accountable. Zane Skujiņa-Rubene (New Unity) faced liability for driving in a lane or on a tram track when prohibited.
Beyond Traffic: Conflicts of Interest and Language Use
The infractions weren’t limited to the roads. Maija Armaņeva (Latvia First) was found liable for violating conflict of interest regulations for public officials. Jeļena Kļaviņa (Independent) was held accountable for insufficient use of the state language in her professional duties.
Weapons Violation
Perhaps the most unusual case involved Didzis Šmits (Independent), who was held administratively liable for violating rules regarding gas and signal weapons and their ammunition. The committee’s report did not include further details regarding the offense, only noting that Šmits was fined an unspecified amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are in the Latvian Saeima?
There are 100 members in the 14th Saeima.
What types of violations did the Saeima members face?
The violations ranged from speeding and traffic infractions to conflicts of interest and improper handling of weapons, as well as insufficient use of the state language.
Were any details provided about the weapons violation?
No, the committee’s report only stated that Didzis Šmits violated the rules for the circulation of gas weapons and signal weapons or their ammunition and was fined.
What impact will these administrative liabilities have on the affected members’ positions within the Saeima?
