PM was right to overturn decision on firing corruption official, says prosecutor general

  • 2014-01-13
  • From wire reports, RIGA

Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis' decision to overturn Corruption Prevention Bureau Chief Jaroslavs Strelcenoks' decree on firing his deputy Juta Strike is lawful and legitimate, Prosecutor General Eriks Kalnmeiers has said.

The Prosecutor General's Office has assessed the prime minister's decision, and noted that he has the right to oversee and overturn decisions made by the bureau's chief. However, this is not his mandatory duty, Kalnmeiers told Latvian Radio. 

The planned firing of Latvian Corruption Bureau deputy contained several legal violations,  the prosecutor general added.

Despite Dombrovskis' calls to overturned the decree, the bureau's chief can still fire his deputy and only a court can put an end to this matter, explained Kalnmeiers.

Asked whether the unending conflict can be solved by reorganizing the bureau or starting from scratch, the prosecutor general pointed out that the matter is "political, and politicians should decide."

Dombrovskis on Jan. 7 overturned Strelcenoks' decree on Strike's removal.

The prime minister's press secretary, Martins Panke, told LETA that the State Chancellery's legal experts have evaluated the legality of the decree and felt certain enough to overturn it.

The legal experts cited several clauses in the Labor Law which have been breached, LETA was informed by the State Chancellery's communications department.

Dombrovskis emphasized to members of the press that the decision to release Strike would not solve any of the problems at the bureau. It is very likely that the next government will have to try to solve them, Dombrovskis said, adding that the prime minister's office had received many signatures of support for Strike, and thus believed he had to act.