Kulbergs: Current State Enterprise Board Model Exhausted, Calls for Review

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) told journalists on June 30 that the current governance model of state-owned enterprises, which relies on boards, has exhausted itself. He believes there are too many boards in Latvia, resulting in scandals and weak management. Kulbergs plans to initiate a wider discussion on this issue.

On the same day, the government approved the appointment of board members for several university boards. This decision was made in light of amendments to the University Law passed by the Saeima last year, which aim to reduce the number of board members in all state universities.

Previously, science university boards consisted of 11 members: five nominated by the senate, five by the ministry, and one by the President. Applied science universities had boards of seven members: three from the senate, three from the ministry, and one from the President. Under the amendments, science university boards will be reduced to seven members, and applied science university boards to five. The number of members nominated by the senate and the government will also decrease: to three in science universities and to two in applied science universities.

The amendments take effect on July 1, 2026. Board members appointed before this date, including those nominated by the President, will serve until June 30. If a board member loses their position before the term ends, the nominating authority will appoint a temporary replacement until June 30.