The “Progressives” base this call on the need to use municipal resources more efficiently and thoughtfully, “especially in this challenging budget planning period”.
The position of the deputy chairperson of the Riga City Council, which is supposed to fulfill the functions of security, anti-corruption and transparency, costs the municipality approximately 130,000 euros per year, the faction says, considering that similar functions are already provided by the Committee on Security, Order and Prevention of Corruption, whose purpose is to address these issues.
“Progressives” indicate that it is necessary to evaluate whether the duplication of this position in the municipality is justified.
“Currently, it is unacceptable that the municipality spends hundreds of thousands of euros on duplicate functions, while the competence of the council committee could be effectively realized by one head of the structural unit. There must be a unified political responsibility for this sector, and this is a step that shows the readiness of the municipality to work more efficiently,” believes the leader of the faction Visitor Kleinberg.
In a statement to the media, the opposition faction ”Saskaņa” expresses its support for Ozola’s release from office. The petition for convening an extraordinary meeting has been submitted to the chairman of the Riga City Council, Vilnis Ķirsi (JV), according to the faction.
In the opinion of “Saknas”, the position of the deputy chairman was created artificially to balance the distribution of positions in the ruling coalition, and this is not acceptable and should be eliminated.
The analysis of the security committee’s meetings and work volume shows that in 2024 the committee held 12 meetings, examining 22 committee issues and 12 draft decisions – significantly less than other Riga City Council committees, “Progresīvie” concludes. This shows the need for stronger political leadership in the committee, centralizing this position in one position – the head of the committee – which would at the same time allow to economize significant local government funds and improve decision-making, according to “Progressivie“.
The “Progressives” draw attention to the fact that Ozola’s position was created to ensure equal representation for the “Code for Riga” faction in the coalition. However, taking into account that “Kods Rīgai” plans to run in the municipal elections on a joint list with “Jauno vietībū”, the preservation of this position is no longer necessary to maintain political balance in the Riga City Council, the faction states.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Faction Leader Visitor Kleinberg
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Mr. Kleinberg, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in Riga’s municipal budget and the role of key council positions. There’s been a lot of discourse surrounding the position of deputy chairperson of the Riga City Council. Can you elaborate on why your faction, Progressives, believes it’s necessary to reevaluate this role?
Visitor Kleinberg (VK): Thank you for having me. Our faction, Progressives, is committed to ensuring responsible use of municipal resources, especially during these challenging budget planning periods. We’ve identified that the position of deputy chairperson, which incurs an annual expense of approximately 130,000 euros, duplicates functions already managed effectively by the Committee on Security, Order and Prevention of Corruption.
TNE: It sounds like there is a clear argument for efficiency. Can you explain the potential impact of eliminating this position on the council’s operations?
VK: Absolutely. If we were to consolidate these responsibilities under a single head of the structural unit, we could ensure unified political accountability while eliminating unnecessary expenditures. This change could streamline decision-making and enhance transparency, which is crucial in our governance. Our analysis indicates that the current duplication is not only financially burdensome but also creates ambiguity in accountability.
TNE: Your faction received support from the opposition faction, Saskaņa, concerning this issue. How does bipartisan support influence the movement towards change in the council?
VK: Bipartisan support is critical in achieving meaningful reform, particularly in municipal governance where cooperation is essential. The backing of Saskaņa underscores a shared understanding of the need to amend the structure for better efficiency. This shared goal can galvanize more robust discussions and lead to actionable strategies to improve our city’s resource management.
TNE: It seems there is an underlying concern regarding the motivations behind the deputy chairperson’s position. You mentioned the claim that it was created artificially. Could you elaborate on that?
VK: Certainly. The assertion that the role was created artificially is rooted in the belief that it serves more to maintain political patronage rather than address genuine governance needs. We want to prioritize functions that directly benefit citizens and ensure that public funds are allocated to essential services rather than unnecessary positions that only add to bureaucratic complexity.
TNE: How do you propose the city council balance these re-evaluations with the need for adequate oversight in security and anti-corruption?
VK: That’s an important question. Our plan doesn’t undermine oversight; rather, it proposes an integrated approach to ensuring these critical functions operate effectively under one leadership. By consolidating roles, we can reinforce checks and balances through enhanced scrutiny and accountability in a more streamlined manner, thus maintaining robust oversight without financial waste.
TNE: There’s a clear argument for consolidation, but what do you foresee as the biggest challenge moving forward?
VK: Change is often met with resistance, especially when it involves established positions. The challenge lies in shifting mindsets and demonstrating that efficiency doesn’t compromise security or oversight. We will need to communicate our vision clearly and work collaboratively with all factions to illustrate the benefits of these reforms to the community.
TNE: Thank you, Mr. Kleinberg, for sharing your insights with us. It’s evident that the work towards a more efficient municipal structure is rooted in the broader interest of the citizens of Riga.
VK: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues that directly impact our community. Together, we can work towards a more accountable and responsive city governance.