Rinkēvičs Proclaims Amendments to the State Civil Service Law
President Edgars Rinkēvičs has proclaimed the amendments to the State Civil Service Law adopted by the Saeima, which in certain cases allow appointment of the head of an institution without an open competition and allow the Prime Minister to appoint the head of the State Chancellery without competition.
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On June 18, the Saeima approved amendments to the State Civil Service Law prepared by the coalition. The changes stipulate that in certain situations, the head of an institution may be appointed without holding an open competition. Consequently, a provision requiring a mandatory competition when the head is released by mutual agreement is removed from the law.
The authors of the amendments argue that the previous regulations sometimes restricted the ability to promptly fill vacancies and ensure continuity of institutional leadership. Prolonged vacancies can negatively affect the operation of institutions and decision-making. At the same time, the law retains the principle that open competition is the general rule for filling civil service positions, while the new exceptions apply only in specific cases.
The amendments also allow the Prime Minister to appoint the head of the State Chancellery without competition. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has previously stated that lengthy competitions can hinder effective management of institutions, while emphasizing his overall support for organizing open competitions.
