Public administration roles may be reduced, as suggested by the Economics Minister.
In Latvia, Economics Minister Viktors Valainis has proposed a series of measures aimed at modernizing the public sector and saving resources. One of the key proposals includes the potential abolition of the real estate surveying function currently performed by the State Land Service (VZD).
If this change were to be implemented, the State Land Service might also be abolished, as its main function would no longer exist. However, it's important to note that Minister Valainis did not express a view on the potential redundancy or politicization of decision-making within other state institutions, such as the Society Integration Foundation.
The Minister believes that moving towards this goal of reducing public administration and saving resources is inevitable. In addition, he suggests that the functions of the Society Integration Foundation could be better handled by other state institutions, although no specific proposals have been made public regarding its potential abolition.
Another proposal put forth by Minister Valainis is the abandonment of the replacement of water meters in apartment buildings. This measure is expected to result in significant savings of €850 million. However, it's crucial to clarify that Minister Valainis did not propose abandoning the verification of water meters in every apartment building, as previously mentioned.
The head of the Society Integration Foundation, Inese Kalvāne, has stated that they have not been informed that their foundation is redundant or that they are doing a bad job. The Society Integration Fund has a specific task and is performing necessary functions, as previously mentioned.
Three business organizations—the Employers' Confederation of Latvia, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Finance Latvia Association—have appealed to the government to cut state budget spending by 5%. This call for reduced spending could potentially influence the government's decision-making process regarding public sector reforms.
The proposed changes are part of a broader modernization effort in Latvia, with a strong emphasis on improving digital government services and investment management. The modernization of the state agenda 2022-2026 aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and policy coherence in public administration. Although specific reforms about water meters or real estate surveying are not mentioned, this modernization could affect such administrative functions.
For precise and up-to-date details, consulting official Ministry of Economy communications or legal bulletins would be necessary.
- If the proposed abolition of the State Land Service's real estate surveying function is implemented, the society might question the fate of the entire institution.
- The Society Integration Foundation, a crucial player in society integration, is not mentioned as redundant by Minister Valainis, leaving its future uncertain amidst budget reforms.
- Business organizations, such as the Employers' Confederation of Latvia, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Finance Latvia Association, are advocating for a 5% cut in government spending, which could significantly impact the government's decisions on public sector modernization.
