Prime Minister Questions State Funding for Bridge Championship

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has expressed skepticism about providing state funding for a bridge championship. Following a coalition meeting, he said he has requested explanations from the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) and the Ministry of Economics (EM) regarding the reallocation of funds from the economic development program fund tied to temporary residence permits.

Kulbergs noted that he only became aware of the issue today, with plans to divert €225,000 to IZM and €1.25 million to EM for development programs. He has placed the matter on the next day's agenda to await detailed explanations on the use of funds.

The Prime Minister emphasized that taxpayer money must be used effectively with clear economic benefits. He criticized the possibility of funding individual events from the state budget, stating that if an event is already coordinated, it is primarily a municipal responsibility. State co-financing would be justified only if projects are submitted in a timely manner and can demonstrably provide economic returns, such as multiple euros back for every euro invested. He cited examples like the World Rally Championship stage and basketball tournaments.

EM proposes to reallocate €225,000 to support international sports events. The funding is intended for IZM to support world and European championships in Latvia. The Latvian Sports Federation Council (LSFP) will administer the support by organizing a competition for sports federations. Key criteria include economic impact: at least 13,500 foreign visitor nights, with state investment ensuring at least a twofold return.

LSFP President Vladimirs Šteinbergs said the competition will be announced as soon as the government decides. The Latvian Bridge Federation can also apply if it meets the criteria. Šteinbergs views the planned competition as a pilot project to test a new financing approach. The previous program allocated around €200,000 annually to support 8-10 events, but it no longer exists this year.

The Latvian National Sports Council (LNSP) last July approved the organization of several international competitions in Latvia, including bridge championships, but approval does not guarantee state funding.