Publicly available information shows that BKPI is also favored by authorities for its close links with influential country ambassadors and representatives of global political structures. The favorable regime in the corridors of power gives BKPI representatives access to various committees that decide on the appointment of cadres to important and well-paid positions.
Earlier, “Neatkarīgā” reported that A. Graf’s work in George Soros-funded Latvian politics and structures helps A. Graf open doors to the corridors of power in Latvia, initially long-term chairman of the “Soros council” Fund Latvia “, now in the so-called umbrella group of Sarmīte Ālerte, the right hand of the country’s president Egil Levitt, then in the “Vienotiba” party.
Honorary members
The BKPI website shows that honorary members of BKPI could also play an important role in securing the favor of the authorities. The website states that since the establishment of BKPI in August 2009, the association has received “support, assistance and friendship” from officials of regional and international institutions. “We try to thank every individual and company for their contribution and mention it as much as possible in all of our annual reports. But there is also a small group of individuals who have given more to society than ordinary members. We make them our honorary members, ”states the BKPI website.
For example, the list of honorary members includes former US ambassadors to Lithuania Deborah A. McCarthy and Anne E. Derse, former British ambassadors to Lithuania David Hunt and Simon Butt, former Swedish ambassadors to Lithuania Cecilia Rutström-Ruina and Ulrika Kronenberg-Mosberg, former Norwegian ambassador to Lithuania Leif Arne Ulland.
Noteworthy are the statements dedicated to the company of senior officials posted on the site. “Your work to reform state-owned enterprises is an important message in the region about the importance of transparency and accountability of governance. Continue to strengthen the economy and increase its capacities and remember that the United States of America is with you. “former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told BKPI.
“We are very pleased that the Institute is our partner in improving corporate governance capabilities in the region, particularly in developing OECD reports on corporate governance and state-owned enterprises for all three Baltic countries,” said Angel Gurija. Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“Today I am particularly happy to see that over the years the Institute has grown into an organization with more than 200 members; a structure that acts as a stable framework for promoting a culture of good corporate governance in both the private and public sectors, “said Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice President of the European Commission.
Brotherhood with politicians
Among other things, the Internet resources show photos in which A. Grafs participates in various events together with various Latvian politicians. Even at the level of the country’s president, he is continually offered new positions and areas of supervision.
Previously, “Neatkarīga” informed how often and how the selection of personnel in influential positions takes place with the participation of BKPI and its representatives in the personnel selection committees. “Neatsakirīga” stated that the selection of Ieva Jaunzemes, the director general of the SRS, currently suspended from his post, took place not without the participation of BKPI representatives. The selection of candidates for hospital council members also does not take place without the knowledge of BKPI representatives. “Independent” previously published an example: an announcement for the position of board member of the Pediatric Clinical University Hospital with the composition of the personnel selection committee, in which two representatives of BKPI also worked.
How to join the council or council?
Currently, the association founded in Lithuania, which has gained influence in Latvia, is probably a way for many people to get good positions. As you know, BKPI organizes courses for professional councils and board members. They last an average of six days. At the end of the course, participants are issued a certificate from the company for the achievement of the BKPI course diploma. The participant has to pay 1,500 euros on average for this, in addition to paying for the stay, for example, in hotels in Tallinn and Vilnius.
In 2015, the current chairman of the board of SIA “Austrumu Klīniska universitas slimnīca”, Imants Paeglītis, graduated from BKPI courses and obtained a professional board and board member certificate issued by the association. At that time, in 2015, I. Paeglītis was chairman of the board of the state joint-stock company “Directorate for Road Safety” (CSDD). Among other things, CSDD is also a national corporate member of BKPI, which pays a membership fee of 1,000 euros annually to the association founded in Lithuania, according to the association’s statute. According to the state official’s statements, I. Paeglītis received an average monthly salary of € 6,159 as chairman of the board of CSDD in 2017, while in his current position at Eastern Hospital, he already received € 8,520 a month last year.
