On the Road to a More Honest Society: Latest Tendencies in Limiting Corruption in Latvia

Kalnins, Valts, Lolita Cigane. On the Road to a More Honest Society: Latest Tendencies in Limiting Corruption in Latvia. Riga: Latvian Institute of International Affairs, 2003.

Four main issues were analysed in the study– regulation of conflict of interest, control of property and income for physical persons, the role of the Anti-corruption Bureau (KNAB) and the development of the party financing system. Conclusions are that an interpretation of the law should not allow loopholes that defeat the purpose of the law – i.e. a conflict of interest. The circle of people who should submit regular property and income declarations should also be widened. The dependence of political parties on sponsors will not decrease unless strict limits are imposed on party expenses or sums paid on overall advertising. KNAB must examine party finances in depth, not just formally. The independence of KNAB will be strengthened if public control of its work is expanded. The study was funded by Soros-Latvia and the Swedish Government