Siliņa defends her record on Kariņš's flights and envelope-wage scandal in TV24 debate

During the September 10 broadcast of TV24's pre-election debate series “Cīņa par Latviju,” former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, a representative of the New Unity party, was asked about two scandals that once rocked her party: Krišjānis Kariņš's flights and the so-called envelope-wage affair. She was asked how she managed to reconcile these events while serving simultaneously as a party representative and as prime minister.

Siliņa responded that her conscience was clear, since she herself had never paid envelope wages. Regarding Kariņš's flights, she said she believed he had not used them for leisure trips but rather for work purposes.

Acknowledges gaps in documentation

Expanding on the flights issue, Siliņa stressed that Kariņš had a formal right to use the flights in question. However, she conceded that perhaps not all details had been fully clarified and that the documentation had not been properly organized. She noted that legal proceedings on the matter are currently underway and that these would help establish who bears responsibility. She also referred to an official named Citskovskis, saying he would be able to explain in court why he had not carried out duties expected of him as head of the chancery.

Sharp rebuke over double standards follows

Siliņa's response triggered a pointed reaction from her debate opponent, who accused her of double standards. The opponent recalled Siliņa's own use of flights, suggesting the practice might still be ongoing today had it not been halted in time. The exchange ended with a direct remark that the opponent felt ashamed on Siliņa's behalf.

The “Cīņa par Latviju” debate series airs on TV24 on Sundays throughout September ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, with episodes also available afterward for on-demand viewing.