Six MPs have not presented valid Covid-19 certificates

RIGA - So far, six Saeima lawmakers have not presented a Covid-19 certificate confirming that he or she has been vaccinated against or recovered from the coronavirus to the Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee.

These lawmakers include Aldis Gobzems (Law And Order) who allegedly has recovered from Covid-19, according to his posts on social networks, Karina Spruda (Law And Order), Vladimirs Nikonovs (Harmony), Janis Adamsons who has been accused of spying and does not participate in the parliament work, Julija Stepanenko (Latvia First) and Romands Naudins (National Alliance).

The committee chairwoman Janina Kursite-Pakule (National Alliance) informed that Stepankenko has presented a negative test result, but the law provides that a parliament lawmaker is allowed to participate in the work of the parliament with a negative test result only if there is also an opinion of a medical commission that the person may not be vaccinated.

As reported, the legislation stipulates that, as of November 15, a Saeima member may participate in sittings of Saeima and Saeima committees after he or she presents to Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee a Covid-19 certificate confirming that he or she has been vaccinated against or recovered from the coronavirus, or an opinion of a clinical university hospital specialist recommending postponing vaccination for a certain period of time, together with a negative Covid-19 test.

Payment of monthly wages and compensations will be suspended for lawmakers who are not able to work at the parliament.

The bill will remain effective until July 1, 2022.

Saeima Presidium will assess the need to maintain such restrictions at least once every two months.