We join the position of Transparency International Latvia: Amendments to the Civil Service Law threaten the political neutrality of the civil service 

The Civic Alliance – Latvia expresses its support for the concerns raised by Transparency International Latvia (TI Latvia) regarding the amendments to the Civil Service Law currently being considered in the Saeima, which would allow, in certain cases, the appointment of senior public administration officials without an open competition. 

Open, transparent, and merit-based selection procedures are one of the most fundamental principles of good governance. They strengthen public trust in public administration and ensure the political neutrality of the civil service. Any deviations from this principle must be carefully assessed, especially when it concerns senior public administration positions. 

We support TI Latvia’s view that open competition is an effective mechanism for the objective assessment of candidates’ competence, professional experience, and reputation. At the same time, it serves as an important tool for reducing risks of favoritism, political influence, and potential conflicts of interest. 

Before adopting such amendments, the public and decision-makers must be provided with a clear, data-based justification for their necessity, including an explanation of the problems that the current system has been unable to solve, as well as an assessment of the potential impact on the independence of public administration and public trust in its work. 

We also support TI Latvia’s proposal to strengthen public involvement in the selection processes for senior officials by allowing representatives of civil society organizations to participate as observers in selection committees. Such an approach promotes transparency, accountability, and trust in decision-making. 

The Civic Alliance – Latvia joins the call for the Saeima Public Administration and Local Government Committee, as well as Members of Parliament, to carefully assess the impact of the proposed amendments on the principles of good governance, the political neutrality of the civil service, and the professionalism of public administration. Open competition is not an obstacle to effective governance – it is one of the key cornerstones of a democratic, professional public administration that serves the interests of society. 

Context: 

On June 11, 2026, five Members of the Saeima (Juris Viļums, Artūrs Butāns, Harijs Rokpelnis, Oļegs Burovs, Aiva Vīksna) submitted to the Saeima Presidium a draft law “Amendments to the Civil Service Law” (No. 1413/Lp14). At the Saeima sitting on June 11, MPs supported the amendments and they were forwarded to the Saeima Public Administration and Local Government Committee for further review under an expedited procedure. The amendments are planned to enter into force on July 1, 2026. 

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