The Combined List would ask Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš to step down even if the political party was in the government, said Saeima secretary Edvards Smiltēns in an interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds, commenting on the “flights case”.
“Considering the facts that have come to light, Mr. Kariņš should find the courage and step down,” said Smiltēns, adding that his party would invite him to do this even if the political party was in power.
When asked who should take responsibility, Smiltēns said this can be gleamed from the answers received after the Combined List’s requests. Those answers make it clear that the decision regarding the use of flights is made by the prime minister, Prime Minister’s Office.
“This is largely the choice of the person participating in official foreign missions,” said Smiltēns, adding there
“there is no way anyone can board a private flight accidentally” without understanding that it means “spending astronomical funds from the state budget”.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa intends to meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš on Thursday, the 28th of March, to discuss the situation with his use of private flights.
Due to the fact that both officials are away at the moment, Thursday is the closest when they can meet and discuss this topic, explained the PM.
As it is known, the Prosecutor General’s Office has commenced and submitted to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau the criminal process for alleged wastage of budget funds in connection with the use of private flights during the term of then the PM Krišjānis Kariņš, as LETA was told by the prosecution office.
The Prosecutor General’s Office does not deny the fact that there could be emergency situations in which state officials may have to use private flights to complete their duties.
At the same time, it is entirely possible there was a criminal act committed.
As previously reported, the special flights conducted by delegations led by then the Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš were met by severe public backlash. Between 2021 and 2023 Latvia’s state budget paid EUR 613 830 to pay for these flights, according to information from the State Chancellery. Together with funding from the EU, expenses of Kariņš’s special flights reach EUR 1.36 million.
Also read: Latvian authorities to look into dubious information about ex-PM Kariņš’s private flights
Also read: More cost-effective options were not considered – Latvia’s president about ex-PM’s flights
Also read: BNN IN FOCUS | Politologist: ex-PM Kariņš is New Unity’s biggest problem
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