Parliamentary candidate J. Kovals: funding distribution between state and municipalities needs revision
Bauska municipal council member Jānis Kovals, running in the Zemgale constituency for the 15th Saeima elections, calls for reforming how funding is split between the state and municipalities and for addressing rural depopulation.
Jānis Kovals, born in 1977 and living in Vecumnieki, is running in the 15th Saeima elections in the Zemgale constituency, number 11 on the list of the «Apvienotais saraksts – Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija» alliance. He holds a bachelor's degree in information technology from Riga Technical University and a master's degree in environmental management from the University of Latvia. Kovals currently serves as a Bauska municipal council member and works as a sales project manager at «SensusLab». Central Election Commission records show he carries debt obligations of nearly 148,000 euros.
Regional future and infrastructure
Kovals describes the Bauska municipality as Latvia's southern gateway and a kind of national calling card, but says the main challenge is keeping residents in rural areas. He also highlights the importance of transport infrastructure, including bypass roads for Bauska and Iecava, and the Rail Baltica railway project connecting the Baltic states with Europe.
Proposals for rural development
On demographic challenges, the candidate proposes support and guarantees for real estate lending in rural areas and incentives for municipalities to prioritize business development. He argues that the key lies with local communities and municipalities themselves, in creating a safe environment and fostering local pride so that young people choose to stay after completing their education and building careers.
Security and municipal funding
On security matters, Kovals says he has considered joining the National Guard or reservist training but has not yet done so due to daily workload; instead he follows security-related podcasts and occasionally donates to support Ukraine. He believes isolated hybrid attacks are possible but considers broader escalation with Russia unlikely.
If elected, Kovals says he could contribute on education, sports and youth policy issues, but names the municipal funding model as the most pressing matter — arguing the focus should shift from redistributing funds among municipalities to redistributing funds between the state and municipalities, along with reviewing previously delegated responsibilities that lack proper funding.
