Individual faces potential indictment in connection with dispute concerning 'Kariņš' airline travels
In a recent development, an ongoing investigation by the State Institutions Criminal Investigation Prosecutor's Office has uncovered potential irregularities in the use of private jets by former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš during his tenure from 2019 to 2023.
Controversy Surrounding Kariņš's Jet Travel
The controversy surrounds the justification and cost-effectiveness of flights used by Kariņš during his premiership. The former Prime Minister defended his use of private jets, citing the need to represent Latvia effectively and balance domestic and international demands. However, concerns have been raised about whether some flights were necessary or if more economical transport options could have been utilized.
Investigations and Findings
The Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Audit Office conducted separate investigations into the matter. The Prosecutor General’s Office found indications of illegal use of funds, suggesting that certain expenditures did not comply with the legal financial regulations or were not properly justified under Latvian law. This implies that some flights or related expenses may have been deemed unauthorized or in breach of public spending rules.
The State Audit Office, on the other hand, focused on financial efficiency and found evidence of uneconomical use of funds. This means that public money was not managed with appropriate cost-effectiveness, with scenarios where cheaper or equally effective alternatives were available but not used, leading to unnecessary government spending.
Key Findings
One instance that raised eyebrows was the use of private jets for Kariņš to return to Latvia from EU meetings in Brussels on Friday evening, instead of waiting for a weekend scheduled service. This decision resulted in additional costs of 221,566 euros from the state budget.
Overall, the cost of these private jet flights totaled 1.2 million euros. Additionally, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Audit Office concluded that at least another 323,688 euros from European Union (EU) funds were used uneconomically.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the case is still ongoing, and the prosecutor's office has refrained from commenting further on the matter. The revelation of the cost of private jet flights used by Kariņš caused widespread public outcry, leading to his announcement of resignation from the position of Foreign Minister.
As the investigation continues, the public and officials alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what, if any, consequences may follow for those involved.
The Prosecutor General’s Office's ongoing investigation into Kariņš's private jet usage during his premiership implicates potential breaches of public spending rules and illegal use of funds, as indicated by the findings of irregularities (EU politics, crime-and-justice). The State Audit Office's investigation revealed evidence of inefficient use of public funds, suggesting that cheaper alternatives were not utilized, resulting in unnecessary expenses (general-news, crime-and-justice). The investigation's conclusion also suggests that an additional 323,688 euros from EU funds were used in an uneconomical manner (EU politics).
