Kucinskis: Review of Remote Work in Public Administration Is Necessary

Finance Minister Maris Kucinskis said in an interview on Latvian Television's program "Rīta Panorāma" that an evaluation of remote work practices in the public administration is definitely needed. The task was assigned to the Finance Ministry by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. Kucinskis added that he will conduct the evaluation in his own ministry with great interest and noted that the assessment does not automatically mean institutions will no longer be able to justify the need for remote work.

The minister said he is most interested in how the institutions themselves will respond, as remote work introduced during Covid-19 has brought many benefits but also raised many questions. He also pointed out that there are companies in the private sector that successfully use the advantages of remote work.

Kulbergs previously ordered the Finance Ministry to review remote work practices, stressing that the majority of state institution employees should return to in-person work. He expressed the view that the practice introduced during the pandemic has remained too widespread in some places, causing problems for residents who need to receive services or reach officials by phone. The prime minister said his personal experience shows difficulties in meeting employees in person not only on Fridays but also on other working days.

Kulbergs emphasized that in some cases exceptions could be maintained, for example, for information technology professions or other specific functions. Overall, however, state employees must be available at their workplace. He said: "There is no more Covid, we must return and work on site."

Economy Minister Viktors Valainis supported the prime minister's initiative, saying that remote work in the public administration is, in his view, too widespread. He noted that the practice has already been restricted in the Economy Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry, where remote work can be allowed in specific cases by the head of the institution. Valainis expressed skepticism about the ability to fully control the work process remotely, therefore fully supporting the proposal to review the current arrangement.

Coalition politicians did not name specific timelines for possible changes on Monday, 3 August. The Finance Ministry has been tasked with preparing an evaluation of remote work practices and possible exceptions.