Valain’s decision to close the competition for the important post of head of the LIAA is a “worrying signal”

Although the regulatory framework provides the right to the Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis (ZZS) not to approve any of the applicants recommended by the commission for the vacant position of head of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), such a decision may be a worrying signal for applicants who would be ready to participate in the next positions of heads of public administration institutions in tenders in the future, the representative of the State Chancellery, Santa Jurgensone, told the LETA agency.

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In the assessment of the State Chancellery, the head of the institution needs the support of the political leadership, however, professionalism, experience, objectivity and knowledge of the specific sector play an important role in the work of a civil servant, and the applicants nominated for the position have always proven these competences during the competition. If during the competition it is already established that the applicants do not meet the set requirements, then the selection commission itself decides that the competition is concluded without a result, and applicants who do not meet the minister are not recommended, Jurgensone explained.

The representative added that in almost 10 years, the State Chancellery has organized 70 tenders, of which in only four cases the recommended applicant did not receive the support of the Minister of Industry.

When asked about the rationale for Valain’s decision, Jurgensone stated that the Minister of Economy did not inform the selection committee about the reasoning behind his decision. Currently, the State Chancellery also has no information about the future actions of the Minister of Economy.

“The Ministry of Economy decides on the future solution to the situation – either the State Chancellery is asked to announce a new competition for the vacant position of head of the LIAA, or an official who meets all the requirements for the position is transferred to this position,” explained the representative.

In the assessment of the State Chancellery, an institution without a leader is in “standby mode” and strategic decisions are not made, necessary changes or initiated stops are not promoted, because the head of the institution has a significant role and responsibility in these competencies.

As reported, the position of director of LIAA has been vacant since the end of September 2023, when Kaspars Rožkalns left it, who became the chairman of the board of the company “UPB nams”. Rožkalns has been working as director of LIAA since January 2020.

Iveta Strupkāja, deputy director of LIAA for export issues, has been appointed as acting head of LIAA.

It has already been reported that at the end of last year, a competition for the post of head of the LIAA was announced, in which a total of 52 candidates applied, but five applicants made it to the third round in March of this year.

Latvian Television program “De facto” previously announced that Valaini was offered a choice between two finalists – Baiba Bļodniec and Fredi Bikova. However, the Minister of Economy will contact the State Chancellery, asking for additional information about other applicants in the competition. The State Chancellery, however, emphasized that such information should not be disclosed, not even to the minister.

Deputy Director of the Chancellery Ieva Lībķena said that in her experience this is the first time that the minister has asked for more detailed information.

At the same time, Valainis explained that before the competition, he expressed his wish to the State Chancellery to offer three categories of people with different profiles in the finals: business experience, experience in public administration and experience in lobby organizations. The Commission has not fulfilled his request.

Valaniis has officially informed the State Chancellery that he has decided to end the previous competition for the position of LIAA director without a result.

The work in the institution with more than 300 employees will continue, and the reorganization of the institution will also begin, so that it focuses more on attracting investments and ensuring economic development, as already mentioned in its name, Valainis emphasized.

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