Saeima rejects appointing Znotina head of Financial Intelligence Unit

RIGA - Saeima on Thursday rejected Ilze Znotina's candidacy for the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit.

33 Saeima members voted for Znotina, 41 voted against her and four abstained. Three MPs did not vote.

Znotina's candidacy was opposed by the Conservatives, several members of the National Alliance and Harmony, as well as several opposition MPs.

On the other hand, members of New Unity, Development/For, Greens/Farmers, as well as several MPs from the Conservatives and National Alliance voted for Znotina.

As reported, the government on May 31 supported re-appointment of Znotina, the current head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, for a second term.

Znotina's current term in office ended at end-May.

On May 13, the State Chancellery said that Znotina had won the tender for the Financial Intelligence Unit's director. The head of the unit is appointed by the Saeima on the recommendation of the Cabinet of Ministers for a term of five years.

The same person can be appointed as the Financial Intelligence Unit's chief for no more than two consecutive terms.

Prior to her appointment as the Financial Intelligence Unit's chief, Znotina was a partner at Deloitte Legal.

Znotina has a Master's degree in international and European law from Riga Graduate School of Law and a Bachelor's degree in law from the University of Latvia.