Budget discussion in Saeima sees endorsement for four opposing proposals
In a recent session, the Saeima of Latvia approved several proposals aimed at providing support to various associations across the country.
The National Alliance (NA) submitted a proposal to allocate a grant of EUR 50,000 from contingency funds to the Latvian Association of the Politically Repressed and the Riga Association of the Politically Repressed. This proposal, which has previously received the support of the Saeima, was approved once again, with 62 MPs in favour, 12 opposed, and the vote adopted.
Meanwhile, the United List's proposal to allocate €57,600 from contingency funds to the Children's Hospital Foundation for organizing support camps for children in palliative care with their families was also approved.
The Latvia First proposal to allocate EUR 56,500 from contingency funds to the Latvian Pensioners' Federation for teaching seniors digital skills was also given the green light.
However, the NA's proposal is not related to these initiatives. Jānis Dombrava (NA) raised concerns about the association's ties with Russian and Belarusian cultural communities, mentioning an article that detailed the association's participation in the May 9 celebrations. The NA representatives called for a pause and reflection before the vote on their proposal.
The third opposition proposal, from the For Stability! faction, to allocate EUR 52,400 from contingency funds to the Daugavpils pensioners' association "Krona" for purchasing equipment, representing the interests of senior citizens, and organizing awareness-raising events, did not receive immediate approval. Some council members questioned the transparency and necessity of the funding, sparking a debate about budget priorities and the processes for approving community funding in Daugavpils.
As of Friday late afternoon, the Saeima had considered about 75% of the 311 budget proposals submitted by MPs. The remaining proposals are expected to be discussed in the coming weeks.
- The Naional Alliance (NA) proposed to allocate a grant for the Latvian Association of the Politically Repressed and the Riga Association of the Politically Repressed, but their proposal raised concerns about the association's ties with Russian and Belarusian cultural communities, and apause was called for reflection before the vote.
- The policy-and-legislation related to seniors, specifically the Latvia First proposal to allocate EUR 56,500 from contingency funds to the Latvian Pensioners' Federation for teaching seniors digital skills, was approved.
- In general-news, the third opposition proposal from the For Stability! faction to allocate EUR 52,400 for the Daugavpils pensioners' association "Krona" faced debate about budget priorities and the processes for approving community funding due to questions about transparency and necessity.
