Kulbergs demands review of state research usefulness after criticism of €140,000 study

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs expressed dissatisfaction on social media with state-funded research he considers overly expensive and of little use. As an example, he cited a planned study by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) that would cost around €140,000 to commission research on the alcohol purchasing habits of Estonians and Lithuanians in Latvia.

The case sparked public debate, prompting Kulbergs to take action. He instructed his office to explore the possibility of introducing a moratorium on new studies until their usefulness is assessed. The prime minister acknowledged that such a review process could take time and resources, but he believes it is better than waste.

Elīna Šverna, the prime minister's communications advisor, clarified to the LETA agency that in the coming days, ministers will receive an official task to review both ongoing and planned research in their respective sectors. Ministries will be required to provide information on each study's purpose, research subject, and specific measurable benefits for society.

The goal of this directive is to determine what practical information the studies provide and how ministries plan to use the results in policy-making and decision-making.