(w/ADD) - Conservatives propose to organize a new tender for KNAB chief

• Published date: 23 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

(added additional information)

RIGA, May 23 (LETA) - The Saeima group of the Conservatives party has proposed the organization of a new tender for the post of Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) chief, the party's leader and Justice Minister Janis Bordans told members of the press after a coalition meeting today.

ccording to the politician, such a responsible position requires a candidate selected in a "real competition" in which at least ten candidates have applied. The current head of the KNAB, Jekabs Straume, who was one of two candidates, won the tender held this spring against a candidate who did not even meet the set criteria.

"We believe that the competition for such a very responsible position as the head of the KNAB has not actually taken place," said Bordans, who emphasized that Prosecutor General Juris Stukans had also given a negative assessment of the tender, pointing out that one mediocre candidate had taken part in the competition.

The Minister of Justice also emphasized that the state is currently facing a number of financially extensive and strategically sensitive cases in which the position of KNAB chief requires a person who has passed several rounds of competition with various other candidates, such as was in the tender for the position of Prosecutor General, in which eight people applied for one position.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity), on the other hand, stated that the issue of Straume was not included in the agenda of the coalition cooperation meeting. He believes that the tender for the post has taken place, so he is ready to support Straume's candidacy.

Meanwhile, coalition partners For Development and the...