PM Kulbergs wants to introduce Estonian experiment – companies would audit ministry budgets by lottery

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) has expressed interest in implementing an Estonian experiment in Latvia, as he stated in an interview with Delfi TV’s program “Why”. Under this scheme, leading companies would be randomly selected to draft an “alternative budget” for a specific ministry. This aligns with Kulbergs’ and his party’s focus on reducing national debt and curbing government spending.

Kulbergs noted that the new government’s declaration already includes commitments to review baseline expenditures across all ministries, audit state procurement, revise bonus and cash reward principles, and ensure greater transparency and accessibility of budget data. When asked how much spending could be reduced this year, the prime minister described it as a massive task and expressed hope that at least the initial steps—starting with making budget data public—could be taken before the next elections.

The prime minister confirmed that direct discussions are underway with the Latvian Employers’ Confederation, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other partners. The proposed experiment involving private companies in budget auditing could serve as a tool to enhance fiscal discipline and transparency.