KNAB to review ZZS's distribution of balsam to pensioners in Ogre
The Union of Greens and Farmers handed out small bottles of Riga Black Balsam bearing the party's election list number to seniors at an August meeting in Ogre. The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is now assessing the situation.
Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has taken up a case involving the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), after the party distributed small bottles of Riga Black Balsam to elderly attendees at a meeting held in the town of Ogre in August.
According to reports, the bottles carried the party's number on the election list, linking the gift directly to ZZS's campaign. The meeting was organized for local seniors, and the small balsam bottles were given out as part of the gathering.
KNAB, the state body responsible for preventing and combating corruption, confirmed it is evaluating the situation. The bureau's role includes monitoring potential improper influence on voters, particularly around elections, where gifts tied to a specific party or candidate can raise concerns.
No further details have been disclosed about the scale of the distribution or how many people received the bottles. It also remains unclear what conclusion KNAB will reach or whether the case will lead to any formal findings against the party.
The town of Ogre, located southeast of Riga, has seen political parties actively campaigning among local residents ahead of elections. Further developments in the KNAB review are expected to become known as the bureau completes its assessment.
