Recently, 12 criminal proceedings related to compensation of expenses of both 12th and 13th Saeima deputies came under the magnifying glass of KNAB investigators. In all of them, except against Adamovich, the criminal proceedings have been terminated. Within seven months, the KNAB, also after listening to the deputy’s telephone conversations, found that Adamovičs had twice requested compensation for fuel (in the amount of 23 and 60 euros), which, according to the investigators, was used for personal needs. Adamovich said that he had returned the money to the budget for these two cases and admitted the mistake.
On the other hand, in the episode related to the 450-euro compensation Adamovičs received each month for his residence in Rīga, investigators believe that it was received illegally because the deputy lived in Rīga’s youngest son’s apartment and his eldest son lived in the apartment for which he received compensation. Adamovich does not consider this a violation, because he considers the apartment to be his own – keeping his personal belongings in it. It is assumed that thus the deputy has cut a gap in the budget of the Saeima by about 3000 euros.
The amount of compensation available increases every year
The Strategic Communication Division of KNAB Jauns.lv explains: “A Member of the Saeima, exercising his / her powers, has the right to receive compensation for transport expenses and compensation for rent of a living space (hotel) in accordance with actual expenses. The compensation of an apartment is not determined separately in the Rules of Procedure of the Saeima. The law sets the total maximum amount of compensation for transport and living space rental expenses. Those deputies of the Saeima who live at least 40 kilometers from Riga have the right to compensation for rent of living space. Expenses are covered in their actual amount, not exceeding the limits specified by law ”.
The Rules of Procedure of the Saeima set the maximum amount of compensation, which changes (actually increases) every year from the average salary set in the country. For example, deputies living more than 280 kilometers from Riga can receive compensation in the amount of 944 euros, but those living near the capital – 151 euros. Members can choose how to spend this amount: renting an apartment, driving or both. However, the Saeima reimburses only the actual expenses, therefore the recipients of compensation must submit monthly to the Finance Department of the Saeima administration documents confirming payments, such as fuel checks or public transport tickets, as well as lease agreements. How long and often a deputy has to stay at the expense of the people in a rented apartment is not stipulated in the legislation.
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Compared to the previous one, the desire of the deputies of the 12th Saeima for compensations has decreased. If currently about 20,000 euros are paid in them every month (19,386 in August, -20,060 in July, but 20,447 euros in June), then two years ago the deputies of the previous Saeima received about 25,000 euros a month. It should also be noted that at that time the maximum amount of compensation per Member was lower than at present. This means that a few years ago, more Members applied for compensation and its maximum amounts than now. Information on the Saeima website shows that in August this year, 47 deputies did not receive a cent in compensation, but in August 2018, only 29 deputies did not apply for compensation.
Which MEPs demand the most?
However, Adamovich has not lost his desire for compensation – neither in this nor in the previous Saeima. The deputy living in Preiļi municipality has mostly applied for the maximum amount of compensation in the case of a cent: this year – 904 euros, in 2018 – 773 euros, in 2017 – 736 euros, in 2015 – 689 euros.
Mārtiņš Šteins (“For Development / Par!”) Is the deputy living furthest from Riga, who has applied for all available compensation – 723 euros. All available compensation (151 euros) has been requested by the deputies living in Riga Artuss Kaimiņš (not belonging to the political groups), Nikolajs Kabanovs (“Sadarba”) and Artūrs Rubiks (“Sobeža”), all for transport expenses.
Apart from Adamovičs, Jānis Tutins has received the most compensations in the last summer month – 880.37 euros (“S Harmona”, limit – 944 euros, lives in Rēzekne), Jānis Krišāns – 805.74 (“Sobeža”, 944 euros, Rēzekne), Kaspars Ģirgens – 785.88 (KPV LV, 833 euros, Jēkabpils), Gundars Daudze – 751.99 (ZZS, 863 euros, Ventspils) and Vitalijs Orlovs – 732.27 euros (“Sobeža”, 833 euros, Rēzekne).
Judging by the received compensation, Uldis Budriķis (New Conservative Party, Liepāja) lives in the nicest rented apartments, who receives 650 euros in rent compensation. In turn, Gundars Daudze, Ritvars Jansons (National Association, Kandava district) and Edgars Kucins (“Sszaba”, Daugavpils district) are demanding compensation of 600 euros for their home.
But Ēriks Pucens (KPV LV, lives in Kuldīga) – 586.70, Ivans Ribakovs (“Sadarba”, Rēzekne) – 438.51, Jānis Dūklavs (ZZS, Jaunpiebalga district) – 353.20 and Andris Kazinovskis (New Conservative party, Balvi district) – 320.92 euros.
