Latvia's Anticorruption Policy: Problems and Prospects

Kalnins, Valts. Latvia's Anticorruption Policy: Problems and Prospects. Riga: Soros Foundation Latvia, Latvian Institute of International Affairs, COLPI, LGI, 2002.

The intention of this report is to analyse three aspects of corruption prevention: (I) conflicts of interest regulation in Latvia, (II) declaration of assets and income, and (III) the prevention of corruption in public procurement. Within the context of these issues, the analysis focuses on Latvian legal regulations and the experience of several other countries (The USA, Denmark and Norway). The report identifies a range of flaws in the present policy and suggests several alternative solutions. Particular case studies supplement the analysis of conflicts of interest and public procurement. The report concludes that to gain credibility, Latvia’s anticorruption policy must fulfil three objectives: First it must ensure that conflicts of interest become unacceptable at all levels of state and local government, regardless of the possible loopholes in one or another law. Second, the government must decide whether it is feasible to register the property and income of the whole population. If yes, then extensive and potentially unpopular measures will have to be taken within the framework of the tax system. If no, then this suggestion must be abandoned. Third, all sensible measures, which can prevent corruption in public procurement, must be undertaken with perseverance.