Latvia's education ministry denies favoritism toward bridge federation funding

Latvia's Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) has rejected claims that awarding 147,000 euros in funding to the Latvian Bridge Federation involved any special favoritism toward the organization's leader.

The Latvian Bridge Federation is headed by Imants Parādnieks, a member of the National Alliance party. Education and Science Minister Ilze Indriksone belongs to the same party, which has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest or political favor in granting state funding to the federation.

The ministry has stated clearly that the funding decision was not connected to Parādnieks sharing party membership with the minister. IZM thus denies any special treatment or advantage given to the federation on account of political ties.

The source report does not provide further public details on the specific funding allocation procedure, its criteria, or comparisons with support given to other sports federations.